In early 2013, with the introduction of the Common Core Standards in conjunction with Smarter Balance assessments, I am seeing the philosophy of teaching a mile wide and an inch deep succumbing to the philosophy of teaching a mile deep and only an inch wide.  This is a different way of thinking as it becomes less important about how much is being taught to how well what is being taught is covered.  By have a deeper understanding, it is possible to better apply it to the world around us.  The focus turns to critical thinking and problem-solving skills; the ability to analyze and think critically means learning retains excitement and intellectual stimulation.  As a teacher, it is exciting to be a part of this change as knowing a lot succumbs to knowing how to figure it out.  Again, this page is still under development so check back for more resources.