Rothman, Chapter 1

First of all I would like to take notice that the date for the beginning of Common Core took place on June 2, 2010 in the wonderful southern state of Georgia among members of the NGA as well as the CCSSO.  There was NO REPRESENTATION of the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT present at this monumental meeting.
Here's what the educators and officials unveiled in terms of what the Common Core Standards ARE and ARE NOT:
1.  They are aimed at college and career readiness.  These are designed so that students may enter universities and colleges during their first year with confidence they are prepared and will not require remedial coursework as well as enter into the workforce  well trained for opportunities to receive competitive salaries for their job-skills.  It was a TOP-DOWN approach rather than a grade-level to grade-level approach.  They began with the end in mind.

2.  The standards were internationally benchmarked.  American students need to be able to compete with students from high-performing countries.  We have been outperformed by several countries on international assessments such as the PISA.

3.  The standards were intended to be clearly written for parents, educators, and students.  The most important skills are provided at each grade level with a reduction in overall numbers of skills in order to allow teachers to teach deeper.

4.  The standards were designed to provide a commonality across states.  The consensus was to provide knowledge and skills to all students that were required for college and career regardless of what state the students may find themselves living.

Personally, I feel these are admirable goals.  I feel these will strengthen our nation with the ability to compete globally.  I also feel it will be equitable opportunities for Americans to be successful and competitive at home and abroad.

There are some noted LIMITATIONS for Common Core State Standards.

1.  They are limited to English Language Art and Math.  They are core, but they do not complete an entire program for a college and career ready student.  Literacy abilities are stressed in ELA, Science, History, and Technical Courses, but content for these courses have not been considered in Common Core.
2.  The Standards represent academic competencies.  There are other competencies such as collaboration with peers, strong work habits, and other specific skills related to jobs or content in college that will also be necessary for complete success in colleges and careers.
3.  The Standards alone will not change the country.  Teachers MUST RECEIVE PROPER TRAINING!

What do you think about these goals?
What do you think about these limitations?
At this point, how do you feel about Common Core?

More to come!!! THIS IS A LONG CHAPTER!

Sarah