So many aspects of the three dimensional standards and how the authors intended educators to engage with them fell into place for me when I read this article many years ago – and it has informed my work ever since.  The article, “Q and A on Unpacking Three-Dimensional Standards”  written by Jeremy Peacock and Ted Willard (also an adept juggler) has a title that, for me, is a bit deceiving. Here is a teaser for you from the article, “The standards, written as performance expectations, are … not intended to drive instruction.”  In the article, the authors address 11 different questions about engaging with the standards. Question 11 is “Is there a place for performance expectations in the unit storyline?”   How do you think the authors might have responded to that question?   My favorite question they respond to is question 3, “Instead of unpacking, Why don’t I just teach students to do what the performance expectation says?” This is a quick read that I think those new to the NGSS will find remarkably clarifying and who have been practicing for a while will find reassuring. Regardless, the quick read will be worth your time.