Tennessee officials announced today the formation of a Common Core Leadership Council, giving districts a voice in the statewide transition to Common Core State Standards. The Leadership Council will advise the department on the Common Core transition plan and directly lead and manage all aspects of the work.Thirteen directors, supervisors and an assistant principal from across the state will advise department officials on formal and informal assessments and professional development resources; shape the framework for all Common Core pilot programs; and become regional experts and leaders in the importance and concrete expectations of the standards. They also will be tasked with the selection and training of exemplary educators, who will facilitate summer training on Common Core implementation in July.Incoming Warren County director of schools Bobby Cox is one of those chosen for the council, which will give him an inside track to implementing the new standards.“I appreciate them thinking of me and putting me on this council,” Cox said.