Common Core English Language Arts in a PLC at Work: Leader's Guide - Softcover

Dr. Fisher received an International Reading Association Celebrate Literacy Award for his work on literacy leadership. For his work as codirector of the City Heights Professional Development Schools, Dr. Fisher received the Christa McAuliffe award. He was corecipient of the Farmer Award for excellence in writing from the National Council of Teachers of English for the article, "Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in an Urban High School," published in The English Journal.

Dr. Fisher has written numerous articles on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design. His books include Creating Literacy-Rich Schools for Adolescents, Checking for Understanding, Better Learning Through Structured Teaching, and Content-Area Conversations.

He earned a bachelor's degree in communication, a master's degree in public health, an executive master s degree in business, and a doctoral degree in multicultural education. Dr. Fisher completed post-doctoral study at the National Association of State Boards of Education focused on standards-based reforms.

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a professor of literacy in the School of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. Through the university's teacher-credentialing and reading specialist programs, she teaches courses on elementary and secondary reading instruction and literacy in content areas, classroom management, and supporting students with diverse learning needs. Dr. Frey also teaches classes at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego. She is a board member of the California Reading Association and a credentialed special educator and reading specialist in California.

Before joining the university faculty, Dr. Frey was a public school teacher in Florida. She worked at the state level for the Florida Inclusion Network helping districts design systems for supporting students with disabilities in general education classrooms.

She is the recipient of the 2008 Early Career Achievement Award from the National Reading Conference and the Christa McAuliffe Award for excellence in teacher education from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. She was corecipient of the Farmer Award for excellence in writing from the National Council of Teachers of English for the article Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in an Urban High School.

Dr. Frey is coauthor of Checking for Understanding, Better Learning Through Structured Teaching, and Content-Area Conversations. She has written articles for The Reading Teacher, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, The English Journal, Voices in the Middle, Middle School Journal, Remedial and Special Education, and Educational Leadership.

"As we move into the world of the Common Core, many questions remain unanswered. Leading the learning in this transition is a critical role and yet one that has not been addressed. This book, Common Core English Language Arts in a PLC at Work™, Leader's Guide, addresses not only the technical issues around Common Core but also the practical issues needed to lead this journey. No matter who you are, teacher leader, site leader, or district leader, this book will help clarify your leadership role and serve as a reminder of the power of professional learning communities in transforming the education landscape."

--Marcus P. Johnson, Superintendent, Sanger Unified School District, California; 2011 American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year

"Authors Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Cynthia Uline offer an easy-to-read, pragmatic guide for school leaders in support of Common Core implementation at a rigorous level. Key guiding questions organize each chapter, with helpful graphic organizers and tables linked to online versions. Chapter topics highlight the essential leadership issues we need to pay attention to in this significant move to the Common Core. I will use this book in my own work, and I highly recommend it to educational leaders looking for wisdom from authors who write from their own deep and relevant experience in the field. Bravo and thanks to Doug, Nancy, and Cynthia!"

--Judith L. Martin, Regional Director, the Leadership Center, Sonoma County Office of Education, California

The following statements represent my personal professional opinion, not necessarily that of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and come primarily through the lens of a professional who is passionate about PLCs as a vehicle for school reform and continuous improvement, but also through the lens of a building leader who experienced the rewards of an effective learning community.

"'If we knew better, we would do better'--a phrase that speaks to why this book, Common Core English Language Arts in a PLC at Work™, Leader's Guide, is the resource that educators across the country need! Educators WANT to be successful; they search for the tools that will help them work SMARTER. In this guide, teachers and leaders will find combining the 'what' of the Common Core State Standards and the 'how' of professional learning communities to be the formula that will greatly impact the learning of both the adults and the students in their schools. With attention to building common vocabulary, establishing processes for inquiry and learning, and clearly articulating best practices, educators will find this leader's guide a valuable tool in building collective efficacy for continuous improvement focused on increasing student outcomes in English language arts. Let's get this book into the hands of our school leaders and all those who are instrumental in providing professional development in Common Core State Standards!"

--Mary Ann Burns, Director, School Improvement Initiatives, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education