Now that most states have adopted the new Common Core State Standards, the next major challenge is to simplify and implement them by 2014. That is why it is important to begin this work now. Joe Crawford, Milken Award-winning educator and author of "Using Power Standards to Build an Aligned Curriculum", shares his proven process for building a viable local curriculum based on the CCSS. Readers will find: (1) A system for creating local standards from the CCSS; (2) Methods for connecting the common, formative assessments to quarterly instructional objectives; (3) Ways to scaffold learning expectations; and (4) Examples taken from districts where CCSS is currently implemented. Included are helpful charts and graphs plus access to Internet-based software for mapping the CCSS to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Schools cannot continue to do what they have always done and expect a different result. This book explains how to facilitate learning for all students while taking advantage of the new culture, technology, and norms of today's learning environment. [Foreword by Karen Young.]