"A set of standards adopted by states across the country that does not mandate teaching mentions and state retain flexibility in the implementation of the standards" (Morris, 2012, p. 9).
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Common Core
Strengths- The standards illustrate a vision for student literacy – across subject areas – that applies to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- This breakthrough resource is designed to help teachers better understand how instructional efforts at each grade level contribute to college readiness. - Implemented correctly could move American education to world-class learning outcomes for students (Conley, 2011). |
Weaknesses- Weak assessments, coupled with low standards, meant that large percentages of students were testing proficient on state reading and math exams—even though only a fraction of them were clearing the bar on the more commonly accepted National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
- “Implemented poorly… could result in accountability on steroids, stifling meaningful school improvement nationwide” (Conley, 2011) - Many are skeptical that the end result will be federal intrusion into the state educational system as common core it tied to Race to the Top funding. - Schools will need to update curriculum tools for the classrooms, i.e. technology, software, texts, professional development. (Bell & Thatcher, 2012, p. 13-17) - Without teacher buy-in new teacher evaluation measures could cause worse classroom effectiveness or even Union strikes |