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Common Core Standards Draft and National Tech Plan

The first draft of the K-12 Common Core Standards was released today.  Governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia committed to developing a common core of state standards in English-language arts and mathematics for grades K-12.

Commentary from several organizations and media have already been published. Read IRA and NCTE's responses on the English/language arts draft standards. Read NPR's article, and EdWeek's report.

At the same time, the US Department of Education's Office of Technology Educaiton released the National Educational Technology Plan--a five year plan which presents a model of 21st century learning powered by technology, with goals and recommendations in five important areas: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity. Read SLJ's article and Weblogg-ed's response.

These are two HUGE initiatives that will impact instruction and the future of our children. What are your thougths?

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