In today's American education system, teachers and students are facing the greatest challenges thus far in order to compete in our global economy. The educational war will be won with highly talented teachers in the urban setting. Our staple weapon is the belief that ALL students are capable of learning supported with research-based instructional strategies. This text is a roadmap for all K-12 educators, from district superintendents to classroom teachers, in order to implement the CCSS at unprecedented levels. The authors celebrate the hard work of teachers and simultaneously reveal how educators must be cognitive of their instruction as well as their planning in order to prepare tomorrow's citizens.
The authors of the text have captured the beauty behind the CCSS and its importance to our next generation of students. Their research indicates that all students are capable of learning as long as they have teachers and principals who are knowledgeable about the standards, are able to plan at high levels, and can delivery instruction at a level of rigor that will stretch every student. This text provides a roadmap of strategies for the reader that should be on every teacher's desk.

Scott Fritz, EdD, former president, Florida Organization of Instructional Leaders, Chief Academic Officer Orange County Public Schools, Florida

Who, What, Where, When, Why?” This text comes at a time when school leaders and teachers are asking questions, seeking ideas, and resources to address CCSS. The authors of this book have answered those inquiries by providing best practices that will deliver results. The book provides practical and valuable research-based strategies that will support teachers and assist with our most neediest student populations. This is a must read for anyone who cares about public education!

Gonzalo La Cava, EdD, Area Superintendent Central Learning Community, Fulton County Schools, Georgia

Dr. Taylor shows and tells how to weave rigorous expectations for all students through the common core standards in every subject. She offers teachers new ways to fortify familiar teaching strategies by using effective research based instruction. I have used her expertise and knowledge to raise student achievement in my previous middle school and will definitely use this resource in my current work with teachers at my current high school.

Eddie Ruiz, Ed. D.,principal, North Springs Charter High School, Atlanta, GA

The authors of Leading, Teaching, Learning Common Core State Standards (CCSS) clearly know what it takes to deliver on the promise that all students, including English learners and students with exceptionalities, can meet rigorous academic expectations. The content is rich, strong, and engaging. It speaks directly to teachers and administrators and shows them how to reach and effectively teach all students in Pk-12 classrooms.

Kouider Mokhtari, Anderson-Vukelja-Wright Endowed Chair, The University of Texas at Tyler, School of Education

This is your roadmap to purposeful teaching and evidence-based learning.” This book provides both the macro-approach to systemic change in how we plan for and execute meaningful CCSS learning experiences and the micro-approach to facilitating student accountability as we strive for mastery. Teachers and school leaders will find value in Dr. Taylor’s research based strategies because they provide focus to professional collaboration. Students will reap the rewards of this book because they ultimately have greater ownership over their learning and thus a stronger stake in the outcome.

Mark Shanoff, EdD, principal, Ocoee Middle School, An Apple Distinguished School, Ocoee, FL, president-elect, Florida Association of School Administrators, national distinguished principal, State of Florida