EdFOCUS Initiative Experts in Ohio State Testing Standards
The Common Core, an Uncommon Opportunity

The Common Core, an Uncommon Opportunity (Corwin Press, 2014)

The Common Core, an Uncommon Opportunity (Corwin Press, 2014)

Why The Common Core, an Uncommon Opportunity? Why now? Because it tackles a largely overlooked component of successful implementation: how to redesign your instructional delivery system, K–12. And you’ll have to; if you don’t, you'll be subject to the very same failure and frustration so many other districts and schools are experiencing. What’s more, March and Peters describe how to integrate 21st Century Skills at the very same time.


What are the big benefits of this book? If you’re a district leader, it will help you:

  • Develop consistent and structured teaching and learning practices across content areas.
  • Ensure sustainable processes through continuous curriculum review and revision.
  • Strategically use data to monitor student performance goals.
  • Support and sustain enacted reforms through district-wide infrastructure adjustments.
  • Provide teachers with Common Core-aligned course tools, including sample curriculum maps, lessons, and specific teaching suggestions.

There’s no need to start from scratch or attempt to reinvent the wheel. March and Peters have done much of the prep for you. Their processes and tools have already worked in numerous districts—and they can be custom-fit to yours.

Publication Date: November 2014


$34.95, 288 pages, 978-1-4522-7182-8


“[March and Peters’] system helped us not only reinvent ourselves, but build the internal capacity we needed to maintain our momentum. This book is a must for any district that is serious about taking advantage of the Common Core to reinvent itself.”— Connie Hathorn, Ph.D., Superintendent Youngstown City School District


“Our school district benefitted from EdFOCUS' model of collective school reform. . . . [March and Peters’] methodology improved our teachers’ and administrators’ understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment—and the role each plays in our efforts to improve student performance.” — Brian E. Davis, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Toledo, Ohio


“With 46 of the 50 states having adopted the Common Core, the question that the respective districts will have is, ‘How do we implement them?’ This is the book that can be their guide.” — Dr. Robert A. Frick, Former Superintendent of Schools Lampeter-Strasburg School District


“There are few books of this kind that offer such deep and specific information to assist the field in successful implementation of the Common Core and state learning standards. . . . This book is a gift to practitioners of all levels and those practicing in any type of school or district.” — Dr. Lynn Macan, Superintendent Cobleskill-Richmondville CSD


“We seek authenticity in our important leadership work with implementing Common Core State Standards in our schools and districts. This invaluable resource offers relevance and reality to this crucial task. It should be on every education leader's bookshelf within easy reach.” — Cheryl A. Dunkle, Professional Development Associate Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Englewood, Colorado

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