College Achievement Network Founders Convene in Denver: Common Core Mysterious No More

October 29, 2012

Over 100 participants and presenters joined us last week in Denver for a College Achievement Network convening focused on the Common Core. The two-day gathering included school visits to DSST and STRIVE and a day of rich Common Core content. Participants engaged in role-alike sessions created for their needs as CEOs, CAOs, and content leaders. There were also general sessions including “The Role of Assessment”, “Instructional Practices to Instill Mindset & Student Agency for Common Core Success”, and “Evidence-based Observation of Practice with a Focus on Common Core Shifts.” Individuals left the convening with a clearer understanding of the Common Core State Standards and how these standards align to college readiness, a better grasp of the complexities of transitioning to the Common Core, and a shared belief that this transition is an opportunity to re-imagine teaching and learning so all students graduate college-ready. CMO teams started new collaborations with others from around the country. Some reactions to the convening included a sense of urgency – “a fire was lit today” and “we need to lock our team in an office and further develop our strategic plan for Common Core implementation”. We are optimistic about what the shift to the Common Core can mean for transforming education, and are so grateful to be helping these stellar charter organizations in making this transition a reality for their students.