Common Core Standards Documentary Notes

Where did the idea originate for Common Core standards?

Ever since 2008, Common Core standards (CCS) planning has been underway. It was kick-started by the chairperson of the NGA (National Governors Association) for the year 2006-07, ex-governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano. Napolitano is currently leader of University of California's system. Her program concentrated strongly on both the workforce and scientific and mathematical education improvements (Bidwell, 2014).

How were the Common Core standards developed? Consider funding process.

CCS development was financed by state school heads and governors, together with backing from organizations like the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Pearson Publishing Company (CCSSO, 2014).

How were the Common Core standards adopted?

After the conclusion of the planning phase, states started implementing CCS of their own accord, on the basis of their extant academic standard implementation process. Board members for state schools embraced the CCS officially in a majority of states. As for the remaining states, this decision was approved of or made by state governors, education superintendents or State Legislatures (CCSSI, 2017).

Why did Sandra Stotsky, a member of the "validation committee" of the standards ultimately choose not to endorse them? Consider her specific concerns.

1. The individuals who penned the standards were unqualified: They were virtually unfamiliar with the area, and lacked standards writing and K-12 expertise (ANHPE, 2013).

2. English Language Arts (ELA) standards were bad: According to Dr. Stotsky, what was presented as ELA standards were actually only skills, with virtually no matter or listing of recommended texts or authors (ANHPE, 2013).

3. In Dr. Stotsky's view, more writing standards were provided for all grade levels...

In Dr. Stotsky's opinion, CCS standards for writing were not developmentally apt as they call for emotions- and opinions- based writing during the early schooling years.
5. Lastly, the standards have been poorly penned. For instance, Dr. Stotsky is of the view that the 'anchor' standard encompasses a disproportionate number of things in a single standard (ANHPE, 2013).

Why did James Milgram, a member of the "validation committee" of the standards ultimately choose not to endorse them? Consider his specific concerns.

Milgram claims that despite several strengths in effect, the standards were composed at a rather inferior level, failing to appropriately reveal latest insights into why high achieving nations' mathematics programs yield radically better outcomes (ANHPE, 2014).

Thought Questions

In your opinion, can the Common Core standards achieve both college ready and career ready skills?

Fresh EPIC (Educational Policy Improvement Center) studies explored the skills and knowledge the CCS encompasses, their significance, and how far they directly apply to higher education and career related preparedness. CCS's chief aim was defining the abilities and knowledge pupils ought to acquire for finishing high school fully equipped to enjoy success in credit-bearing, entry-level, scholastic college programs and workforce training initiatives (Wengland, 2013).

Do you think that Common Core is simply a set of standards (guidelines for states to follow) or is it National Curriculum? Explain.

CCS does…