Common Core confusion: Why a misunderstood reform needs crisis management
The Common Core needs a public relations makeover — quickly.
In the last few days, the new set of tougher math and English language standards for grades K-12 has suffered a spate of bad publicity that could undermine its very purpose — and turn off an already skeptical public.
(Photo: Sarah Garland)
Never mind that there is still plenty of confusion about theCommon Core with its uniform set of skills and knowledge aimed at elevating teaching and learning, already adopted by 46 states and the District of Columbia.
Instead, as is often the case in education, a bad combination of politics, protest and pontification is obscuring the core’s laudable purpose, which is to increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills, better prepare students for colleges and careers — and keep the U.S. globally competitive.
On Monday, parents in several states mounted a protest against the Common Core that kept children home from school.
New York State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. finds himself shouted down at forums throughout New York State and has become a lightning rod for parents and teachers angry about linking the standards to tougher tests without better training, materials and time to prepare.
Instead, as is often the case in education, a bad combination of politics, protest and pontification is obscuring the core’s laudable purpose, which is to increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills, better prepare students for colleges and careers — and keep the U.S. globally competitive.
And U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is on the defensive, backtracking for “clumsy phrasing,’’ that appeared tocriticize parents who worry about their children’s lower tes