Publications
Commentary & Feedback on Draft I of the Next Generation Science Standards
Paul Gross , Lawrence S. Lerner , John Lynch , Martha Schwartz , Richard Schwartz , W. Stephen Wilson / June 25, 2012
In May, Achieve unveiled and solicited comments on the first draft of the Next Generation Science Standards, the product of months of work by a team of writers from twenty-six states. This document provides commentary, feedback, and constructive advice that Fordham hopes the NGSS authors will consider as they revise the standards before the release of a second draft later this year.
Putting a Price Tag on the Common Core: How Much Will Smart Implementation Cost?
Patrick J. Murphy , Elliot Regenstein / May 30, 2012
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts and mathematics represent a sea change in standards-based reform and their implementation is the movement’s next—and greatest—challenge. Yet, while most states have now set forth implementation plans, these tomes seldom address the crucial matter of cost. This report estimates the implementation cost for each of the forty-five states (and the District of Columbia) that have adopted the Common Core State Standards and shows that costs naturally depend on how states approach implementation.
Future Shock: Early Common Core implementation lessons from Ohio
May 18, 2012
Ellen Belcher
With the 2014-15 Common-Core transition looming, we wondered: How are Ohio’s educators preparing themselves for this big change? Who is doing this work and what can other schools and districts learn from the early adopters? What are lessons, hopes, and fears facing those on the frontlines who have to lead Ohio’s embrace of significantly more rigorous academic standards?
Defining Strong State Accountability Systems: How Can Better Standards Gain Greater Traction?
Eileen Reed , Janie Scull , Gerilyn Slicker , Amber M. Winkler, Ph.D. / April 4, 2012
Rigorous standards and aligned assessments are vital tools for boosting education outcomes but they have little traction without strong accountability systems that attach consequences to performance. This pilot study lays out the essential features of such accountability systems, intended to add oomph to new common standards and aligned assessments.
