John SanGiovanni

Mathematics Supervisor
Howard County Public Schools
How to Successfully Plan
for the Common Core State
Standards for Math:
HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WHITE PAPER
Introduction
If you are in one of the 46 states and the District of Columbia that have adopted
the Common Core, you should already be moving from transitioning to
implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and associated
Standards of Practice for Math, in preparation for the 20132014 implementation
deadline. While it is important to be in alignment with CCSS, for a superior
implementation your team should take advantage of this time of change to
advance your curriculum, and bring a spirit of excellence to each and every one of
your classrooms.
The transition to the Common Core comes with common problems: developing
curricula that encompass the new standards but also answer the unique needs
of your district; fostering collaboration with system ofces; communicating
with stakeholders; and keeping the lines of communication open so everyone
can learn and progress. Your plan will assume its appropriate form after careful
consideration, collaboration, and cooperation by everyone in your district.
After the frst wave of Common Core assessments, we will all form a deeper
understanding of mathematical profciency relative to the standardswhich by
any measure is positive for both students and educators. I hope you will learn
take advantage of this time of
change to advance your curriculum,
and bring a spirit of excellence to each
and every one of your classrooms.
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from the experiences we share here, and borrow freely from the ideas presented in this white
paper. You will fnd a list of resources and links included at the end of this document to help
you get started.
About Howard County, Maryland Public Schools
Howard County, located in the center of Maryland, sits between Baltimore and Washington
DC. We are blessed with great diversity; serving 50,000 students in 72 schools. Of these, 41
are elementary schools, and 16 of those have full time math coaches. Elementary school
enrollments range from 350 to 1,000 students per school.
Our Essential Curriculum is based on the Maryland State Curriculum. In June 2010, the
Maryland State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards, and we
immediately began planning.
STEP 1: Working Back from 2014 2015 Assessments
Starting from a work-back transition plan, we kept in mind that assessments would begin in
20142015. To generate the multi-year plan, we looked at PARCC (Partnership for Assessment
of Readiness of College and Careers) assessments, kept our current Maryland State
Assessments (MSA) in mind, and then backtracked from there to limit student learning gaps.
Kindergarten was prioritized in our frst year (20112012). We initiated teaching to the new
standards at this level, knowing that was where we could identify the biggest gaps and have
a genuine opportunity to reap the benefts when CCSS testing begins in 2014. This year, in
20122013, we are fnishing up our implementation of Grades 1 and 2, and next year we will
implement through Grade 5.
Here is our grade level by year transition plan for implementation:
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Your plan will assume its
appropriate form after
careful consideration,
collaboration, and
cooperation by everyone
in your district.
STEP 2: Collaboration with System Ofces
As we worked on the curriculum and the aligned assessments, we also began to understand
that there were many constituencies to consult as we developed an overall plan. We met with
educators and specialists in the various ofces in our system to devise the plan, including:
(1) School Administrators, (2) ESOL , (3) Secondary Math, (4) Special Education, (5) Early
Childhood, (6) Title 1, (7) Gifted and Talented, as well as our (8) Public Relations Ofcers.
School administrators in particular were a point of focus, since their leadership, input in to the
program, and infuence on the other groups is essential to CCSS transition success.
STEP 3: Plan Design
In order to design the optimal transition plan, we had to look at the key success components
including: (1) the curriculum, (2) instructional approaches, (3) professional development for
our educators, (4) student assessment, and (5) parents and the community who would be
responding to these changes.
We had already been providing an electronic curriculum as a source of objectives and aligned
instructional resources for quite some time. But with this latest move to CCSS, we wanted to
ofer a curriculum that connected the what, how, and why of teaching mathematicsand the
idea was born for a new wikispace.
Using a wiki seemed like a natural way to link instructional resources, assessment resources,
content pedagogy, and much more into a single, highly accessible package. The wiki also
serves as a way for stakeholders to share ideas, questions, concerns, and achievements. For
teachers, the wiki has been an ideal vehicle to distribute online curriculum resources without
requiring any specialized web development skills.
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As we worked on the
curriculum and the
aligned assessments, we
also began to understand
that there were many
constituencies to consult
as we developed an
overall plan.
Howard County Wikispace
A primary goal was ease of use for educators and parents alike, so that everyone could obtain
information and contribute quickly and easily. The ability to efortlessly access and review
the material was particularly important because it empowered teachers to work with it over
the summer and on their own schedules when preparing for the upcoming school year. The
wikis were constructed using a free, of-the-shelf template that requires very little technical
expertise, but that has great structure and fexibility: http://www.wikispaces.com/content/
classroom.
There is now a wikispace for each elementary grade in the
Howard County Public School System:
Kindergarten: http://gradeKcommoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 1 Wiki: http://grade1commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 2 Wiki: http://grade2commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 3 Wiki: http://grade3commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 4 Wiki: http://grade4commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 5 Wiki: http://grade5commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 6 Wiki: http://grade6commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 7 Wiki: http://grade7commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Grade 8 Wiki: http://grade8commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Wiki Management
In a world of unlimited potential content, our
site had to be properly managed. We knew we
needed a wiki webmaster who understood
curriculum, CCSS, and site goals. Others on the
team also assist, and are assigned tasks as needed.
This core group maintains primary control of the
site.
Overall, when we began, our plan was to
post as much material as possible, all aligned
to Standards. The next steps were to apply
exemplary resource rubrics to review and scrub
less desirable resources. As curriculum experts, we
selected and continue to select appropriate tools,
and we work with our math team to promote
exemplary classroom instruction and the use of
these valuable resources.
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we wanted to ofer a
curriculum that connected
the what, how, and why of
teaching mathematics
and the idea was born for a
new wikispace.
Howard County Public Schools views its curriculum as a living, thriving one. With a simple
process and minimal overhead, there is freedom to expand the site as we:
Encourage ParticipationSoliciting suggestions and contributions throughout the year
from teachers as they encounter new sources, ideas, and successes.
Continuously Update To keep the wiki fresh, we update the pages on the site as soon as
new information is available.
Empower Math CoachesWith their wealth of expertise, our math coaches have become
valuable content editors.
Wiki Structure & Content
It has taken time to develop an intuitive model that meets teachers needs, which is why the
current wiki ofering is the third iteration. While it is intended to be open to the public, there
are some entries that are restricted due to district policy.

For now, we provide the resource links shown above, and we do our best to add free
resources in alignment with our own districts plans to add support for CCSS.
We have organized the teacher wiki by course planning, and as of this writing, educators
can access nearly 100 complementary resources, including one resource that includes 120
optional homework sheets for teachers. Resources with ideas for routines and standards
information are also included.
Howard County Public
Schools views its
curriculum as a living,
thriving one.
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Wiki & CCSS Standards
In addition to showing CCSS-aligned coursework by standards and by quarter of the school
year, we wanted to provide teachers with a foundation for true understanding of the material
before they begin work in the classroom. In our district, we focus on deep comprehension
by every instructor rather than on what a teacher task may be on a particular day. To support
teachers in working towards this goal, we provide links to many web resources. We have
professional development videos available and are looking to further expand those oferings.
One of the most valuable resources we provide is for students. In particular, we provide links
to student literature that refers to mathematical thinking in everyday terms.
In our district, we focus on
deep comprehension by
every instructor rather than
on what a teacher task may
be on a particular day.
We have a progressive
vision for the online CCSS
curriculum, which is the
genesis of our wikispace
development.
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Wiki Design Elements


CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION:
Scope and SequenceWe have a progressive vision for the online CCSS curriculum, which
is the genesis of our wikispace development.
Instructional ResourcesOur vision of an online curriculum for CCSS adoption is one
that provides more depth, more breadth, and greater access to free instructional aids and
materials.
Commercial ProgramsDuring the past 20 years, we have never limited ourselves to
using a single curricular resource or program. Rather, we have relied on teachers to make
decisions for individual students and choose from a variety of resources. This approach has
resulted in unique solutions tailored for specifc students, classrooms, and schools.
Content UnderstandingThe wiki provides specifc resources to help teachers gain a
deeper understanding of the math they are teaching by standard, so that they can work
confdently with their students from a position of signifcant content knowledge.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Content and Practice StandardsIn our district, we provide professional development
modules for every teacher at every grade level, after school long range planning for
teachers implementing the Common Core, and Content Workshops to develop content
understanding.
PedagogyOur goal is to support and develop deep questioning in the classroom to
ensure conceptual understanding and procedural fuency.
Our goal is to support and
develop deep questioning
in the classroom to ensure
conceptual understanding
and procedural fuency.
We take time to
translate messages into
language parents can
understand and use to
benefit their child.
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Delivery MethodsMath coaches support three additional schools four times during the
year, to help them understand the content standards and to help teachers understand
what is expected for next year.
Stakeholder EngagementWhile the wiki encourages professional development
and provides a jump-start for standards implementation, our math coaches serve as
ambassadors. We also meet with administrators so they can understand the plan as
well as the Common Core Content and Practice Standards.
ASSESSMENT:
Formative AssessmentWe knew teachers needed tools for formative assessment
both during and after instruction, so we provided student learning targets, formative
assessment tasks, systemic rubrics, and progressions of skills and concepts.
Data CollectionIn diferent ways, we collect daily data about student success in the
classroom to help teachers plan for instruction.
PARCC/SB AssessmentsOn the wiki, we provide information to help teachers understand
PARCC, how to develop a plan for assessments, and how to use formative assessments to
drive instruction.
SUPPORTING PARENTS & COMMUNITY:
To keep parents informed and involved, each quarter we post curriculum and vocabulary
details in a dedicated portion of the wiki: http://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org. Hands-on tasks
that kids can do at home are organized by
standard, and we provide online resources
that parents can use to support their own
knowledge about other aspects of math
teaching and learning.
ResourcesSupplying parents with relevant
content is an ongoing project in response to
what is working for them, as well addressing
their comments, questions, and requests.
MessagingWe communicate with parents
online by defning and positioning what we
do within Common Core, and placing what
we are doing into that context. We take time
to translate messages into language parents
can understand and use to beneft their
child.
the key to successfully
plan and integrate the
Common Core into your
district or school is to: (1)
have a plan, (2) provide
good support and resources,
(3) think about professional
development and
curriculum concurrently,
and most importantly
(4) include open source
resources so all involved can
share and collaborate.
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Delivery MethodsWe are constantly
searching for ways to reach out, and have
often used Family Math Nights, focus groups,
newsletters, Board of Education advertising
spots, PTA meetings, and International Nights
to connect with stakeholders.
Stakeholder EngagementJoint meetings
with neighboring districts have boosted
parental involvement, and web pages
continue to evolve and improve our online
engagement with parents and community.
Wiki Feedback & Evolution
Vetting resources is an ongoing process. Our
team continues culling and adding as we see
what works, what doesnt, and what is most
helpful in our eforts to incorporate CCSS into our curriculumall while keeping Maryland
goals and assessments in mind. As our understanding of the Common Core improves, we
revise our expectations of exemplary resources. We do most of this editing work in the
summer, but maintenance continues on an almost-daily basis. Over time, we anticipate
retooling current oferings to provide more video, virtual manipulatives, and interactive tools
for both students and teachers.
We frequently receive email from around the country from those asking for thoughts,
opinions, and insights into mathematics or curriculum management design, while some seek
the few resources that are protected by district policy. We fnd that the number of visitors
continues to grow as an increasing numbers of teachers and systems implement CCSS. We
enjoy the opportunity to share our experience and success with the learning community
inside and outside of our district.
Conclusion
In summary, the key to successfully plan and integrate the Common Core into your district
or school is to: (1) have a plan, (2) provide good support and resources, (3) think about
professional development and curriculum concurrently, and most importantly (4) include
open source resources so all involved can share and collaborate.
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Resources
Free wiki template: http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom/about
Parent resource example: http://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org
Other resources:
Heinemann Publishing Company
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Quality Teacher Development
Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics
If you have questions, feel free to contact me directly:
John SanGiovanni atjsangiovanni@hcpss.org
About John SanGiovanni
John SanGiovanni is a mathematics curriculum specialist who has worked with stakeholders
at the local, state, and national levels. He is currently in Howard County, Maryland where
he works with teachers, administrators, and curriculum specialists to create and implement
exemplary mathematics instruction for all students, including leading the districts
mathematics programs transition to the Common Core State Standards. As an author,
John has published books on elementary mathematics through Heinemann Publishing
Company and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. As a lead consultant
for Quality Teacher Development he provides mathematics professional development to
school districts throughout the United States. As an adjunct faculty member at Towson
University and McDaniel College, John has written and taught graduate courses for the use
of Web 2.0 tools in the mathematics classroom, as well as elementary and middle school
methods courses. John is a frequent speaker at national conferences, and serves on the Board
of Directors for the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Maryland Council
of Supervisors of Mathematics.
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