School is back in session in classrooms around the country. I've witnessed the annual signs: children skipping along sidewalks, bouncing bright backpacks as they go; yellow school buses weaving in and out of morning traffic; parents lingering for one last look as their kids disappear through doorways. Familiar sights, all. But inside those classrooms, things are looking decidedly different, thanks to the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
The initiative continues its seemingly inexorable takeover of U.S. education. 44 states have adopted the standards, and the world is taking notice. 'Common Core' is officially an industry buzz term, and its presence in discussions continues to increase, along with pressure for companies like LEP to align our products to the standards.
This apparent changing of the guard has us curious - what about our audience: you teachers, parents, and administrators? How is the shift to Common Core affecting you?
Are you approaching your lessons differently? Have you trashed the old ones to build a new foundation on Common Core? Or will you stud your existing framework with the new standards?
More importantly, how does it all make you feel? Is this a good thing for education? Is it a bad thing for you? Let's get a discussion started in the Comments section below.
Showing posts with label common core. Show all posts
Showing posts with label common core. Show all posts
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Common Core Debate Rages Onto a Bigger Stage
Since its inception, the Common Core initiative has been a hotly debated issue. The question of whether or not to adopt a uniform national curriculum has been considered by educators, administrators, and parents. Now, the battle lines are being drawn on a bigger stage.
The Albert Shanker Institute recently released a manifesto entitled A Call for Common Content. Calling for equally high education standards across the country, the statement supports the Common Core Standards, praising their "clearer vision of what students should learn and be able to do as they progress through school." It argues that in order to ensure "equal educational opportunity," a common standard must be instituted and upheld.
Not long after, a "counter-manifesto" was released. With signatories from a variety of political and educational institutions, Closing the Door on Innovation rejects the idea of a single national curriculum. The document refuses to "support this effort to undermine control of public school curriculum and instruction at the local and state level." It argues that adopting one must-use system stifles innovation, denying educators the right to adjust and develop curricula from their own experiences. It speaks strongly against the Common Core Standards themselves, as well, calling them "inadequate."
Both documents are signed by supporters big and small. Both make compelling arguments. And both call for support from people like us. It seems the battle lines are being drawn for the Common Core debate. Which side will you be on? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
The Albert Shanker Institute recently released a manifesto entitled A Call for Common Content. Calling for equally high education standards across the country, the statement supports the Common Core Standards, praising their "clearer vision of what students should learn and be able to do as they progress through school." It argues that in order to ensure "equal educational opportunity," a common standard must be instituted and upheld.
Not long after, a "counter-manifesto" was released. With signatories from a variety of political and educational institutions, Closing the Door on Innovation rejects the idea of a single national curriculum. The document refuses to "support this effort to undermine control of public school curriculum and instruction at the local and state level." It argues that adopting one must-use system stifles innovation, denying educators the right to adjust and develop curricula from their own experiences. It speaks strongly against the Common Core Standards themselves, as well, calling them "inadequate."
Both documents are signed by supporters big and small. Both make compelling arguments. And both call for support from people like us. It seems the battle lines are being drawn for the Common Core debate. Which side will you be on? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
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