Valerie Strauss presents this article as one that offers both positive and negative aspects of the Common Core. Her positive feedback (provided by the editors of Rethinking Schools) includes the standards providing a more specific set of guidelines, reflective learning, and equality among the nation. However, she distinctively points out that the Common Core's testing program is sure to set the nation up for failure. Strauss says the the No Child Left Behind act proved that regular testing and rigorous testing standards set schools up to fail. It neither raised the testing performance of students, nor provided better collegiate preparation. Another conflict she finds in the Common Core is its lack of teacher coordination in writing them. The program is called "state" standards, but in all actuality states were not even incorporated in the process. Her third problem with the program is the heavy expenses that are to be inflicted on school systems along with it.
Of all of the Common Core articles I have read, I can sympathize with this one the most. I appreciated the incorporation of the good that the Common Core provides. My mom, who is an elementary school teacher, shared with me that the Common Core has truly helped in its attempt to provide active learning. Teachers are encouraged to ask specific students to illustrate math problems or read passages, as opposed to teachers teaching at the students. I also appreciate someone finally providing evidence on the claim that the program is not destined for success. By relating the No Child Left Behind reform, I can now clearly see the relation between the two programs. America did not find success in the first testing program, so they generated a more rigorous one. I mean, surely that will improve test scores and collegiate success, right? I think it is clear at this point that the Achille's heel of the program is the testing process, which may very well have our students dropping out at rates that limit the amount of teaching positions America will need.
Very nicely articulated. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe way you incorporate your mother's experience with the Common Core makes your argument more realistic. Your argument informs the reader of both the negative and positive sides of the Common Core. It leaves the reader to determine their own opinion towards the program. Your response to the article is very well organized and informative.
ReplyDeleteI agree! The drop out rates are going to increase, which scares me too. It is good to hear that your mom likes the common core and that schools are actually trying to work it into the curriculum and benefit from it. I think for sure that in a few years it will be running smoothly and no one will be complaining about it anymore.
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