This paper focuses on the relationship between policy creation and policy enactment through the use of an innovative qualitative research methodology, photo elicitation. Teachers applying Common Core State Standards were studied in two states through indepth interviews, photographs captured by the participants, and other artifacts. Findings indicated the influence of bi-partisan politics on policy implementation as well as teachers' tendencies to map previous practices onto the new standards. Additionally, data demonstrated the influence of state mandated assessment on teachers' perceptions of the standards. This study provides new insights on teachers' interpretations, evaluations, and self-reflections of the CCSS and the related practical experiences through a rigorous microanalysis of their professional conversations with teacher educators/university researchers.