This blog is the fourth in a series of blogs by Mel Riddile, Associate Director for High School Services at the National Association of Secondary School Principals, on the principal’s role in implementing the Common Core State Standards.

School leaders should consider 10 keys to successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards:

1. Vision – School leaders will need to collaboratively construct a “crystal clear mental picture” of what…

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This blog is the third in a series of blogs by Mel Riddile, Associate Director for High School Services at the National Association of Secondary School Principals, on the principal’s role in implementing the Common Core State Standards.

The shift in instructional intent from high school completion to college and career readiness effectively places each and every student on a pathway to college and career readiness. The big picture is…

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This blog is the second in a series of blogs by Mel Riddile, Associate Director for High School Services at the National Association of Secondary School Principals, on the principal’s role in implementing the Common Core State Standards.

Both the Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) standards in the Common Core State Standards demonstrate a logical progression through the grades so that a fourth grade teacher will understand how the…

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“In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle. But, today, average is officially over.”—Tom Friedman

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are about more than the old average. The adoption of these standards means that all students are now on a pathway to college and career-readiness. CCSS represent a real and fundamental shift in instructional intent from high school completion to…

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“When students are actively involved in their education, they take ownership of their learning.” This concept is what Sheila Harrity, principal, and Mary O’Malley, assistant principal, of Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) in Worcester, Massachusetts, say is the key to ensuring its students achieve success in their postsecondary endeavors. They offered insight into WTHS’s focus on authentic learning to approximately 50 attendees as part of the School Showcase component…

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Educational leaders in Ohio held “Embracing the Common Core: Helping Students Thrive” on Wednesday, February 15th, to discuss the progress of standards implementation in their state. Hosted by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, the webcasted meeting featured state Board of Education members, educational leaders, and state and district superintendents.

These leaders addressed the challenges and promises facing Ohio’s educators, discussed what various state and local educational…

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The National Center for Postsecondary Research (NCPR) at Teachers College, Columbia University, recently released two new studies of dual enrollment. Dual enrollment—in which high school students take college courses—has risen in popularity over the past decade as policymakers and educators have sought ways to smooth the transition from high school to college. The two studies add to a growing body of work that suggests that participation in dual enrollment…

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