Beyond Core Expectations
A Schoolwide Framework for Serving the Not-So-Common Learner
Create a schoolwide foundation to ensure academic success for ALL students
This useful guide supports the needs of culturally, linguistically, and academically diverse learners and demonstrates how a shared vision can increase student engagement and ensure that not-so-common learners benefit from academic rigor.
Taking a system-wide approach, the authors offer educators a model arranged in six distinct yet complementary pathways to improve programs, policies, and practices for diverse learners. This innovative framework includes:
- Mapping and aligning an integrated curriculum—making the mainstream curricula accessible for all learners
- Collaborative planning and assessment—pooling intelligence so the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
- Teaching students explicit learning strategies—empowering students by increasing student-led learning
- Promoting disciplinary literacy—providing all students with access to pertinent academic language learning
Featuring helpful tables that outline key concepts and real-life vignettes from schools that have successfully applied the principles, this book unlocks success for all students.
“Dove, Honigsfeld, and Cohan recognize the urgent need for practices to change on a schoolwide basis so that diverse learners can be positioned to succeed with the Common Core. This book outlines inclusive practices so that all students are included in these important conversations.”
—Diane Staehr Fenner, President
DSF Consulting
"In Beyond Core Expectations, the authors present a coherent framework for schoolwide instructional inclusiveness. This book is an essential guide for educators with a vision for true college and career readiness for ALL students, driven by sound curriculum, instruction and assessment practices."
—Cheryl H. Champ, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Sewanhaka Central High School District, Floral Park, NY
"Dove, Honigsfeld, and Cohan recognize the urgent need for practices to change on a schoolwide basis so that diverse learners can be positioned to succeed with the Common Core. Beyond Core Expectations: a Schoolwide Framework for Serving the Not-So-Common Learner outlines inclusive practices so that all students – English learners, students with disabilities, and other marginalized groups – are included in these important conversations. The book’s practical toolkit provides educators with ample opportunities to evaluate and collaborate around ways in which they can provide a more equitable learning environment for their diverse students. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to ensure that all students’ strengths and needs are considered during the implementation of the Common Core."
"Common Core for the Not-So-Common Learner provides a masterfully blend of instructional practices with a deep understanding of the CCSS, and presents them in a way that makes sense to educators on the front lines of implementation. In Beyond Core Expectations, Dove, Honigsfeld, and Cohan work to the next level by presenting a coherent framework for schoolwide instructional inclusiveness. This book is an essential guide for educators with a vision for true college and career readiness for ALL students, driven by sound curriculum, instruction and assessment practices."
