Yong Zhao Interview: Will the Common Core Create World-Class Learners?
University of Oregon professor Yong Zhao's 2009 book Catching Up or Leading the Way sent a jolt through our educational system. He questioned the use of tests and "accountability" from the unique perspective of someone educated in China, now living - and raising children - in the USA. His next book is due out soon, so I asked him to share some thoughts about some current issues. 
Question: Where do you see the push for Common Core standards coming from?
Yong Zhao: The push comes from a host of sources, from political leaders to business leaders, from government agencies to non-government groups, from academics to consultants, and even from education organizations. The Common Core Standards Initiative is having a great time, much like NCLB in its early days, with lots of money and lots of political power behind it. And of course there are many who would stand to make some money off and perhaps earn some political points from it as well and for these organizations and individuals the Common Core must continue.
Question: Where do you see the push for Common Core standards coming from?
Yong Zhao: The push comes from a host of sources, from political leaders to business leaders, from government agencies to non-government groups, from academics to consultants, and even from education organizations. The Common Core Standards Initiative is having a great time, much like NCLB in its early days, with lots of money and lots of political power behind it. And of course there are many who would stand to make some money off and perhaps earn some political points from it as well and for these organizations and individuals the Common Core must continue.
Question: What will be different five years from now if the current plans go forward?
Yong Zhao: It's always dangerous to predict the future. But if history is
Yong Zhao: It's always dangerous to predict the future. But if history is