Schools use online programs to support CCSS integration

Many states across the country are striving to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) by the 2013-2014 school year with the goal of better preparing students for college and the workforce. Each school district has its own way of easing teachers into this transition, whether by hosting small information sessions or requiring educators to attend large conferences. Valley View Community Unit School District 365U, located outside of Chicago, has decided to turn to an online program, The Chicago Tribune reports.

The new Educator Effectiveness System PD 360 will allow teachers and administrators to access a personal home page, where they will find a variety of materials designed to prepare them for the CCSS, including videos and documents.

"These new expectations are high standards to reach, but it's important that we support … them along the way," Rachel Kinder, assistant superintendent, told the news source. "It is important that we equip our teachers and administrators with tools and resources to help them see what this will look like in the classroom."

Still, this is not the only district that is using online programs to support CCSS integration. The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) launched the New Mexico Common Core Professional Development Program to help teachers with the transition. Using the program, teachers have access to in-person conferences and workshops, as well as online classes and a webinar series, NMPED's website states.