This document provides guidance for teachers on developing lesson plans aligned to the Common Core standards. It recommends that teachers follow pacing guides, combine established curriculum resources, and focus lessons on grade-level NYS standards. Teachers are also advised to collaborate, use data to inform small group instruction, and keep the six shifts of the Common Core in mind when planning.

1. Our Common Core Journey

2.  Common Core Standards-based instruction
 Follow the pacing guides/curriculum maps
 Utilize the practices and materials that you
have had success with in previous years
 Combine resources (Rochester Curriculum,
H.M.,Investigations, Engage NY) to create a
successful plan

3.  View your Curriculum Map and/or Pacing
Guide to view standards for each
module/domain
 Replace Essential Questions with “I Can…”—
this is your objective
 Decide what materials you will use
 How will you know students have learned?

4.  Focus on the NYS Common Core Standards as
outlined in Modules/Domains for your whole
group, grade level lessons
 Small-group plans are based on need and
supplementing as necessary

5.  Planning Steps:
◦ View your domain/module for key standards and
general objectives
◦ Utilize H.M., Rochester Curriculum, etc. to help
address the standards
◦ Not a complete curriculum—apply what you know
about your grade level content to help make your
students successful
◦ Keep in mind the Six Shifts—especially Text Based
Answers (ELA) and Fluency (Math)

6.  Collaborate
 Continue forward with standards in mind
 Data-informed small group instruction