The Common Sense Case Against The Common Core

Are you frustrated with the state of education? Do you feel that students are being forced into a cookie-cutter mold, stifling their creativity and critical thinking skills? If so, you're not alone. Many parents and educators across the country are questioning the effectiveness of the Common Core State Standards in the United States.

Understanding the Common Core

The Common Core is an educational initiative aimed at standardizing learning goals for students in grades K-12 across the nation. It was introduced in 2009 and quickly adopted by most states, with the goal of preparing students for college and career readiness.

Proponents argue that the Common Core sets clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. They believe that by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, students will be better prepared for the challenges of the future.

The Story-Killers: A Common-Sense Case Against the Common Core

by Christopher E. Smith(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	561 KB
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However, as with any major educational reform, the Common Core has its fair share of critics. These critics argue that the standards are one-size-fits-all and fail to take into account the diverse needs and learning styles of students.

The Downfall of Standardization

One of the major arguments against the Common Core is the detrimental impact of standardization on students' learning experiences. By following a rigid set of standards, teachers are often forced to teach to the test, sacrificing creativity and personalized instruction.

Furthermore, the emphasis on high-stakes testing has led to an excessive amount of stress on both students and teachers. Many argue that this focus on test scores takes away from the joy of learning and creates a culture of competition rather than collaboration.

In addition, opponents of the Common Core believe that the standards are developmentally inappropriate for young children. Critics argue that young students are being subjected to advanced concepts that they are not ready to comprehend, leading to frustration and a lack of engagement in the classroom.

Negative Impacts on Teachers

Teachers are the backbone of our education system, yet the Common Core has placed tremendous pressure on them. Many educators feel constrained by the standards, as they are required to teach a specific set of skills in a specified order, leaving little room for flexibility or meeting individual student needs.

Additionally, the implementation of the Common Core has often been rushed, leaving teachers ill-prepared and overwhelmed. The lack of adequate training and resources has led to increased stress and frustration among teachers, which ultimately affects the quality of instruction.

Furthermore, the Common Core has contributed to an increased focus on standardized testing, placing even more pressure on teachers to ensure their students perform well on these high-stakes exams. This obsession with test scores detracts from the true purpose of education: to foster a love of learning and encourage critical thinking.

The Need for Local Control

Another significant concern with the Common Core is the loss of local control in education. The standards were developed by a small group of educational experts and policymakers, without sufficient input from educators, parents, and local communities.

Opponents argue that education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor and that decisions about curriculum and instructional methods should be made at the local level, where educators have a better understanding of their students' needs and cultural backgrounds.

Alternative Approaches

There are several alternative approaches to the Common Core that have gained traction among educators and parents. One such approach is the Montessori method, which emphasizes hands-on learning and personalized instruction based on each child's unique interests and abilities.

Other alternatives include project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems and develop critical thinking skills, and homeschooling, which allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child's specific needs and interests.

The Future of Education

The debate over the Common Core is far from over. As parents and educators, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful discussions and advocate for an education system that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and individualized instruction.

While the intentions behind the Common Core may have been noble, it is clear that the current approach is flawed. By understanding and addressing the concerns raised by critics, we can work towards a more effective and student-centered education system.

It's time to take a step back, reevaluate our priorities, and put common sense back into education.

The Story-Killers: A Common-Sense Case Against the Common Core

by Christopher E. Smith(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	293 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

What is the Common Core? How will the Common Core English Standards affect the teaching of great stories in our schools? Will there be any great stories left in the minds of our children when the Common Core has controlled the curriculum and testing of both public and private schools for a few years? What are the real purposes behind the educational coup that has taken place with very little public debate and even less understanding?

In this book, school reformer and professor Dr. Terrence Moore carefully examines both the claims made by the architects of the Common Core and the hidden agenda behind the so-called reforms that have been adopted by over forty states in the nation, with very few people understanding what is really going on. Moore not only challenges the illiberal aims of this educational regime, but actually analyzes lessons recommended in the Common Core English Standards and in the new textbooks bearing the Common Core logo. Such a thorough review exposes the absurdity, superficiality, and political bias that can only serve to dumb down the nation's schools. Worse, the means that the Common Core uses is a deliberate undermining of the great stories of our tradition, the stories that in former times trained the minds and ennobled the souls of young people. Those stories are now under attack, and the minds and souls of the nation's children are in peril.