THE COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS: FROM NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE.

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) initiative is based on a vision of "college and career readiness" for K-12 students. The CCSS, a compressed set of instructional mandates, are evidence-based and globally-informed. Thirty-five states believe the increased rigor of the CCSS will improve student learning (CEP, 2011) and therefore merit immediate implementation. Although the CCSS identify what should be taught (learning objectives), the standards do not delineate how to teach these standards. The stakes are high. Moving from a national initiative of this magnitude, to improved instructional practice and increased student achievement, is the challenge. This paper will discuss this dilemma and provide evidence that Idaho Total Instructional Alignment (TIA) is answering the challenge. Idaho Total Instructional Alignment (TIA) is a model for implementing the CCSS based on six research supported features of effective professional development. The priority is strengthening the capacity of educators and modifying instructional practice to deliver standards-based education so that "no child is left behind." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]