Getting Ready for College, Careers and the Common Core
David T. Conley

Written specifically for educators, David T. Conley’s Getting Ready for College, Careers and the Common Core explores how today’s educators can use college- and career-readiness research, and the best aspects of the Common Core State Standards, to prepare tomorrow’s leaders.

Conley captures decades of research to argue that “self-motivated, self-managing students equipped with solid academic skills are going to be the best prepared for the uncertain and turbulent world in which they will spend their adult lives.”

Conley’s arguments are well-researched and carefully reasoned. Some educators may be distracted by some of the thoughtful controversy generated by the book. However, Conley excels at discussing deeper learning strategies, the role of student motivation and important skills for college- and career-readiness. The book expands on Conley’s Four Keys Model, which includes cognitive strategies, content knowledge, learning skills and techniques and transition knowledge and skills.

Overall, educators will benefit greatly from the descriptive history of the origins of the college- and career-readiness movement and the research that is driving the resulting initiatives. Additionally, the prescriptions offered throughout the book will provide educators with a firm grounding in the fundamental educational issues of the 21^st century.

Conley intends to stimulate controversy and conversation. He includes discussion questions, action recommendations, tools for educators and ample links to additional resources.  As Robert Marzano states on the dust jacket of the book: “This is a must-read for educators at all levels.”

Reviewed by Andrew Potter, Vice President for Education & Academic Affairs, Envision.