Hacking the Common Core: 10 Strategies for Amazing Learning in a Standardized World (Hack Learning Series)

I have recently discovered the hacking learning series, and this is the first one I completed. I love it. He gives great ideas that you really can implement.

An excellent read for educators and administrators. After reading this, teachers will allow students to make learning meaningful while still having fun!Sandy W.

Interesting take on the Common Core.

A must read for teachers, administrators and even parents! Hacking the Common Core: 10 Strategies for Amazing Learning in a Standardized World, helped clarify several Common Core problem areas. As well as providing concrete "Hacks" to implement and upgrade student learning, Fisher encourages an open dialog on all levels. In my opinion, this essential, yet missing piece of communication between students, parents, grade level teachers and administration will ease future Common Core tension. I strongly recommend this book to those who are embracing the Common Core as well as those who are struggling with implementation. His ideas are relevant, helpful and thought provoking throughout grade levels and subject areas.

I really enjoyed this very practical and easy to read hacking book! Here is the thing, we tend to over-complicate this work and over react to change. This books reminds educators that there are some very basic principles, beliefs and practices that can help us move beyond the struggle. I love that he points out that relationships matter - care, collaborate, support, involve parents. With these easy hacks Fisher shares, based on his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, we can move beyond the negativity that has surrounding this work and do good work for kids!

A common sense approach to the Common Core. I was particularly interested in finding practical suggestions about vocabulary acquisition and instruction. Mr. Fisher did not disappoint me. He gives practical suggestions for implementing robust vocabulary instruction that are flexible and relevant for all teachers. Hacking is a great word to learn for a start! It's easy to feel exhausted and demoralized as a teacher who is given yet more directives; however, this book will brighten your day. Get it!

Mr. Fisher has written a practical book that will challenge the established traditional classroom setting. Teachers need to evaluate themselves and their use of the Common Core Standards. In doing so, they will see that their instructional practices might not be as student-centered as they should be. Mr. Fisher’s 10 hacks will help teachers understand their instructional needs better while not abandoning the Common Core Standards.As I sat down to read Hacking the Common Core, my perspective was different because I teach and reside in a state that does not use the Common Core Standards. I quickly learned that it didn't matter. Even though the Common Core is discussed thoroughly in the book, the premise of the book can be applied to any educator teaching in the standard-focused era. The book clearly helps the reader see the importance and value of the standard but does so while still pushing educators to do more. I found myself analyzing my instructional practice as I read the book. Lifelong learning is so important and this book will help educators continue on their path of learning.Fisher's book is practical. I loved that aspect of it. As educators, we need practicality. Each chapter follows a similar path which, for me, was very enjoyable. I knew as I read the "Hack" from each chapter that I would soon read an easy-to-follow set of steps to help me institute this new strategy or instructional practice in the classroom. In addition, the book delves into those reflex mechanisms we have that say "no, this will not work". Fisher calls it "overcoming pushback". Sometimes that "pushback" will be from within ourselves and other times it will be from our peers. Either way, Fisher develops good points to fight against that "pushback" with practical solutions. Lastly, each chapter has a "Hack in Action" section which helped me tie the whole hack together. I could see how and why this hack was important. It helped me push myself to want to do it.Overall, I think this is a book that all educators should read. As educators, we need to be thinking about our instructional practices. For every lesson, we should be analyzing why we do what we do. If you are stuck in a rut or simply need a boost, this book will help you. I commend Michael Fisher for his dedication to students and his desire to see the standards taught in an engaging and meaningful way. Fisher wrote, "If you want to use Common Core effectively, I don’t suggest that you could make these changes; I suggest that you must make these changes.” I couldn't agree more!

This book is a MUST read for any educator currently involved in instruction of Common Core. It’s an easy to read book that step-by-step allows you to see the problem, solutions, immediate take-away, step-by-step instructions and how to overcome obstacles with implementation. By reading this book I was immediately able to put ideas into action and see how it can be successful when the “hack” was used.The flexibility that is offered in this book will put any teacher at ease that is currently trying to work their way thru teaching the Common Core. I am confident that after reading this book I will be able to start teaching my students not standards!!