In this article, the author discusses how to implement the Common Core State Standards in the classroom. She presents examples and activities that will leave teachers feeling "rosy" about tackling the new standards. She breaks down important benchmarks and shows how other teachers are doing the Core--and loving it!

In 2008, the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association started discussing the possibility of moving away from separate state standards. State education leaders were concerned that existing state standards weren't rigorous enough. So, in 2009, 48 states signed on to develop the Common Core State…