Common Core standards were not set by the federal government, but by the National Governors Assoc. in 2009, to create a “level-playing field for the states to be evaluated upon”; and states are free to choose if they will implement them or not. Illinois did so, and this is our second year of the initiative. Only six states, so far, have not implemented the standards, which were introduced to fix the problems of “teaching to the test” that were inherent in the “No Child Left Behind” program. Illinois’ Constitution mandates the state to fund education in full, but for decades the schools have not received their full funding. Illinois was awarded a grant of $42.8 million (for 4 years) from the federally funded “Race to the Top” grant, that is only available to states that have implemented the Common Core standards. Galesburg school kids are “learning material that is at least one year ahead of previous expectations”, and it will take several years for the full implementation of the program. My fourth-grade grandson is learning from a Chrome Book in the classroom, computer skills in the library, and last month began the study of principles of Geometry. It’s a rigorous pace for instructors and students, who will need support from aides, parents and administrators. It’s time for a new paradigm in learning! We need to give this program, and the educators, time and resources to adequately implement these standards before we can judge its worth. *************
Our U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said, “We need to continue to look for ways to elevate the quality of our schools, to improve college readiness, and to ensure that our children have the skills they need to compete in the global economy”. I agree with that.
Oct 3 2014
Do you think the Common Core standards adopted by Illinois last year are a step in the right direction?
Common Core standards were not set by the federal government, but by the National Governors Assoc. in 2009, to create a “level-playing field for the states to be evaluated upon”; and states are free to choose if they will implement them or not. Illinois did so, and this is our second year of the initiative. Only six states, so far, have not implemented the standards, which were introduced to fix the problems of “teaching to the test” that were inherent in the “No Child Left Behind” program. Illinois’ Constitution mandates the state to fund education in full, but for decades the schools have not received their full funding. Illinois was awarded a grant of $42.8 million (for 4 years) from the federally funded “Race to the Top” grant, that is only available to states that have implemented the Common Core standards. Galesburg school kids are “learning material that is at least one year ahead of previous expectations”, and it will take several years for the full implementation of the program. My fourth-grade grandson is learning from a Chrome Book in the classroom, computer skills in the library, and last month began the study of principles of Geometry. It’s a rigorous pace for instructors and students, who will need support from aides, parents and administrators. It’s time for a new paradigm in learning! We need to give this program, and the educators, time and resources to adequately implement these standards before we can judge its worth. *************
Our U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said, “We need to continue to look for ways to elevate the quality of our schools, to improve college readiness, and to ensure that our children have the skills they need to compete in the global economy”. I agree with that.
By spiritspeak • Community Roundtable 0