Common Core has been mired in controversy for the curriculum and because opponents view it as federal interference in local affairs
Common Core State Standards are a set of rigorous academic standards in math and English. The Common Core has been adopted in 45 states and the District of Columbia.
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, this academic initiative was intended to ensure that students graduate from high school with critical thinking skills to help them lead a successful life.
eSchool News [1] has covered Common Core Standards extensively. The initiative may be losing public support as a result of limited resources for implementation, underdeveloped high stakes testing, and what critics see as a set of standards that stifles creativity.
(Next page: What fuels Common Core controversy?)
From inception, the response to Common Core State Standards implementation has been mired in controversy, both for the standards themselves and because opponents consider it as an example of the federal government meddling in state and local affairs.
For instance, on March 17, about 200 activists protested on Capitol Hill [2], claiming that Common Core violates states’ rights and demanding that lawmakers repeal the initiative.
Recent media attention has focused on questions surrounding the wisdom and effectiveness of Common Core.
A recent story in the Daily Caller [3], in which a father with a doctorate degree was unable to comprehend his 5-year-old son’s math homework, added additional fuel to the fire.
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Apparently, the kindergartner’s homework contained grammatical mistakes and obscure Common Core language such as “K.0A.1,” which parents and non-educators may not be familiar with. “I have a Ph.D., and I have no idea what is supposed to be done with this homework assignment,” the child’s father [3] said.
Another Common Core math kindergarten assignment resulted in angry parents posting the homework online and venting on Twitter [4].
In an age where administrators and educators are trying to improve learning and deliver instruction more effectively, critics are wondering if educators are prepared to develop a curriculum to support these standards, and if the Common Core State Standards themselves adequately prepare students for a successful post-high school life?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below and by following me on Twitter@Michael_eSM [5].