In 2009 the National Governors Association along with the Council of Chief State School Officers began to work on a project that is now widely recognized by the name Common Core. The state led initiative was made to create a cohesive set of standards concerning only English language arts and mathematics. Though the federal government had little to do with development of common core standards, they now encourage states to adopt the standards as a way to promote equal educational opportunities across the country. The goal of common core when first introduced to states was to create an educational system that was preparing our youth and future generations for the “real” world, helping with career choices and directing students in a helpful path meant to be individualized from student to student. Today forty three states, including the District of Columbia have adopted the common core standards of education, though each state has rights granted to amend them, make the decision whether to adopt them, and are able to decide how to implement curriculum. High school grades are grouped together from 9-10, and 11-12 grades, each grade having a specific goal that is to be worked towards the entirety of the school year.
Opponents to Common Core strongly believe that it causes a decline in student achievement, and takes away from other subjects that are not included in the new standard’s curriculum. According to a group called Parents Against the Common Core, “States with the earliest implementation of the Common Core standards, such as Kentucky, have seen a decline in student achievement on the National Assessment of Education Progress, showing a lack of results from the standards.” Common Core was implemented in order to cause an increase in student achievement, however, opponents believe that that purpose is not being fulfilled. There are other organizations such as FreedomWorks that ban teachers together in protests of common core standards, claiming that common core has systematically destroyed creativity in the classroom, making kids resent coming to school. Other opponents argue that what is meant to be the achievement gap, has become an opportunity gap (Diane Ravitch), saying that while it provides some students with opportunities it denies other the chance at success holding students back in lower classes.
Many supporters of common core, on the other hand, see that common core provides for student achievement and ensures equal learning across the US. According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSO), “The standards were created to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life, regardless of where they live.” This includes students who move between states, ensuring a speedy time catching up to their new schools curriculum, and providing equal learning to all students, whether they be from a higher or lower income area. This equal learning includes providing funds to the schools participating to buy resources and materials, such as books and supplies, for their students to get a full and rich education. Supporters of these standards believe that it brings creativity into the classroom. High school math teacher, Peter Mili, describes how hands-on activities, stemming from the new standards, enrich the learning experience, which helps his students to have a greater understanding.
Now as high school students, ones who have directly dealt with common core in everyday life, it’s your turn to make an opinion and join the conversation about common core. Everyday in math and english, we come face to face with these relatively new standards, we’ve been told by teachers and legislators that common core is what will set us apart from earlier generations. Some of you may struggle through math, but prosper in new english guidelines, it’s up to us as the people who are directly influenced this to use our voice, join the conversation about common core. How does it affect you? Do you prosper or struggle?
Opponents to Common Core strongly believe that it causes a decline in student achievement, and takes away from other subjects that are not included in the new standard’s curriculum. According to a group called Parents Against the Common Core, “States with the earliest implementation of the Common Core standards, such as Kentucky, have seen a decline in student achievement on the National Assessment of Education Progress, showing a lack of results from the standards.” Common Core was implemented in order to cause an increase in student achievement, however, opponents believe that that purpose is not being fulfilled. There are other organizations such as FreedomWorks that ban teachers together in protests of common core standards, claiming that common core has systematically destroyed creativity in the classroom, making kids resent coming to school. Other opponents argue that what is meant to be the achievement gap, has become an opportunity gap (Diane Ravitch), saying that while it provides some students with opportunities it denies other the chance at success holding students back in lower classes.
Many supporters of common core, on the other hand, see that common core provides for student achievement and ensures equal learning across the US. According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSO), “The standards were created to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life, regardless of where they live.” This includes students who move between states, ensuring a speedy time catching up to their new schools curriculum, and providing equal learning to all students, whether they be from a higher or lower income area. This equal learning includes providing funds to the schools participating to buy resources and materials, such as books and supplies, for their students to get a full and rich education. Supporters of these standards believe that it brings creativity into the classroom. High school math teacher, Peter Mili, describes how hands-on activities, stemming from the new standards, enrich the learning experience, which helps his students to have a greater understanding.
Now as high school students, ones who have directly dealt with common core in everyday life, it’s your turn to make an opinion and join the conversation about common core. Everyday in math and english, we come face to face with these relatively new standards, we’ve been told by teachers and legislators that common core is what will set us apart from earlier generations. Some of you may struggle through math, but prosper in new english guidelines, it’s up to us as the people who are directly influenced this to use our voice, join the conversation about common core. How does it affect you? Do you prosper or struggle?
Join the conversation and tell us your ideas and experiences of common core in the contact page.
If You Want to Learn More...
about history of state and national standards of education click here:
The History of Common Core State Standards about the current status of common core in Michigan, click here:
Michigan Common Core Repeal |
about how and why standards were implemented click here:
Background on Common Core State Standards |
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See how common core affects children in New York during the first two years of implementation.