Video
Post-Event Summary
At an AEI event on Thursday, leading school superintendents and education thinkers from across America agreed that proper implementation of the Common Core State Standards will be challenging, but could provide an important opportunity to transform K–12 schooling. David Coleman of the College Board, who played a leading role in the development of the Common Core, began by explaining the importance of holding all teachers accountable for student success. He emphasized that the Common Core creates opportunities for teachers to expand the traditional curriculum and collaborate across state lines.
Joanne Weiss of the US Department of Education agreed that implementing the Common Core equips teachers to enact change, but stressed that implementation is only one step toward improving the education system. To best implement the Common Core, Eric Beacoats — superintendent of Durham Public Schools in North Carolina — suggested encouraging teachers to learn from each other in the classroom. Overall, panelists agreed that while the Common Core holds great promise, education leaders would do well to consider the practical elements — such as establishing effective professional development and confronting high costs — of successful implementation.
--Daniel Lautzenheiser and Chelsea Straus
Event Description
Much discussion about the Common Core State Standards has emphasized the desirability of the enterprise or the minutiae of “implementation.” At this AEI event, prominent superintendents and leading thinkers will instead focus more broadly on what it will take for school systems to adopt the Common Core effectively.
In particular, the discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities surrounding talent, learning technology, and federal and state policy. Indeed, when it comes to improving literacy instruction, many superintendents must navigate a thicket of contractual, cultural, and political barriers — a task that may prove even more daunting as states work to implement the Common Core.
Please join us for a discussion featuring dynamic superintendents who are tackling these challenges in the nation’s school districts and the leaders supporting them in their efforts.
Watch this event live via C-SPAN, at www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/
