ASCD Launches Free Digital Common Core Implementation Tool, Announces Fall Common Core Webinar Series

Alexandria, VA (8/23/2012)—ASCD introduces the new, free EduCore™ digital tool for educators implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in both mathematics and literacy. Funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the EduCore tool is a repository of evidence-based strategies, videos, and supporting documents that help educators transition to the CCSS.

The EduCore tool supports CCSS implementation for mathematics and features a variety of formative assessment lessons and videos ready for classroom use, including more than 20 formative assessment mathematics lessons. Developed by the Shell Centre, these middle and high school Classroom Challenges include problem-solving and content-development formative assessments on subjects such as solving linear equations in two variables and applying angle theorems. Useful plans, student materials, PowerPoint slides, and other materials round out the many mathematics resources available.

The EduCore tool's three templates for argumentation, informational, and narrative teaching support middle and high school educators who are implementing the literacy standards in all disciplines. Created by the Literacy Design Collaborative, each template offers secondary teachers fill-in-the-blank "shells" built from the Common Core standards that allow educators to insert the texts students must read, writing students must produce, and content students must address. In addition, the EduCore tool empowers content-area teachers to create their own tasks for students that support engagement and growth within the CCSS. Related resources include videos that instruct educators how to create their own templates and Microsoft Word templates teachers can use to develop their own modules.

Through a simple registration process, educators can access additional EduCore features, such as the ability to save searches, organize tools, and annotate resources. In the coming months, ASCD will add additional mathematics formative assessment lessons and sample literacy modules to further enhance this valuable, free digital resource.

In addition to the EduCore tool, ASCD will provide even more support for nationwide CCSS implementation this fall through a series of new, free webinars that provide educators actionable strategies and tactics for integrating the standards into classroom activities. Covering a variety of topics related to the CCSS, including project-based learning, teacher effectiveness, mathematics, and English language arts education, this webinar series begins Monday, September 17, at 3:00 p.m. eastern time with a presentation by ASCD faculty member Maria Montalvo-Balbed. During her presentation, Montalvo-Balbed will discuss practical approaches for teaching English language learners within the CCSS.

The next webinar is an overview of the EduCore tool presented by ASCD’s Tools for Teachers Project Director Sherida Britt on Wednesday, October 3, at 3:00 p.m. eastern time. More information on these webinars and a complete schedule of topics and presenters are available at www.ascd.org/commoncorewebinars.

ASCD is the global leader in providing programs, products, and services that empower educators to support the success of each learner. In May 2010, ASCD became an endorsing partner of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

"Over the last year, we asked educators at all levels what they need to successfully implement the Common Core State Standards in their classrooms," said ASCD Executive Director and CEO Dr. Gene R. Carter. "EduCore, the webinar series, and the many other resources ASCD is making available are informed and guided by educators' feedback. We look forward to continuing to work with both the Gates Foundation and educators nationwide to support the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and ensure that each student graduates from school college-, career-, and citizenship-ready."

Visit the EduCore tool at http://educore.ascd.org. Additional ASCD resources that aid educators who are implementing the Common Core State Standards can be found at www.ascd.org/commoncore. For more information about ASCD or ASCD membership, please visit www.ascd.org.

• Stephen Wakefield, communications director, 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail.
• Katie Test, communications specialist, 1-703-575-5608 or by e-mail.