Put to the Test: Adults Sample Common Core
Few of us had heard of Common Core before New York State adopted the controversial standards last year. The standards developed by business and education leaders are intended to help U.S. students compete in a global economy and create continuity among districts and grade levels. More than 40 states have adopted the standards, for which they're rewarded with Race to the Top federal funds.
Fewer than one-third of the state's students met the standards during the first round of Common Core-based tests last spring.
Amid all of the debate, there is some confusion about Common Core.
"I guess I don't know ultimately what is expected of (students)," said Stephanie Lewis, a parent of three children in Rush-Henrietta. "All I hear is the ultimate end goal of college prep that starts in preschool."
News 8 gathered a group of parents, along with Greece Assistant Superintendent Shaun Nelms and University of Rochester psychologist Richard Ryan to discuss Common Core and its impact on education.
We started our session by taking several Common Core-based state questions. These questions appeared on state exams. The state does not make entire tests available.
Our first question was from third grade English Language Arts. Students had to read an essay about a boy fishing with