Common Core in the Early Childhood Classroom

1.5 CPDs 1:30

With the Universal Pre-K movement gaining national momentum, Montessori Early Childhood programs are faced with the challenge of demonstrating measurable progress in meeting Common Core State Standards. This webinar will offer insights into how you can align Montessori EC curricula with the Standards through the practice of “backward design,” i.e., the setting of learning goals prior to selecting instruction/assessment methods and lesson design in the classroom. This can be particularly helpful in aligning Montessori materials and presentations with external standards.

As an example, we will explore the path taken by a Montessori school in New York City toward becoming UPK-ready, following the implementation of citywide UPK in 2014. This will include analysis of data collection and documentation of progress at the level of the school, the classroom, and the individual child. Most important, we will emphasize how you can remain true to your core Montessori values and philosophy while adopting measures that demonstrate how our pre-existing practices align with State Standards.

Learner Outcomes

• Familiarization with Common Core State Standards (The presenter will speak through the lens of New York State Standards)
• Ability to make links between the Montessori Early Childhood curricula and Pre-K Common Core Standards
• Ability to implement multimedia observation and data collection processes that demonstrate alignment of Common Core State Standards and Montessori materials and lessons.

Gelsey Steinbrecher is the practicum coordinator and an Early Childhood instructor for the West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program in New York City, NY. She holds her AMS Early Childhood credential and has a Master’s in Urban Education. AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood).

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