The Making of Common Core Creation Stories: Myth or Fact?
Perhaps because Common Core standards originated in a secretive process, and were adopted with little public discussion, their origins have become a subject of great interest among educators. As with ancient mythology, we care about where things come from, because the method of creation can reveal the nature of the creator, and the intentions at work. Critics of Common Core have complained about the way the standards were created - in secret, without significant teacher involvement. Many proponents of Common Core have, for this reason, felt compelled to offer some version or other of "Myths Vs. Facts about the Common Core," attempting to resolve the complaints. The trouble is that, as we learn the true origins of Common Core, we find that most of these "Myths vs. Facts" documents offer up more myths than facts. Here are some examples:
From the Common Core website:
Myth: No teachers were involved in writing the Standards.Fact: The common core state standards drafting process relied on teachers and standards experts from across the country. In addition, there were many state experts that came together to create the most thoughtful and transparent process of standard setting. This was only made possible by many states working together.
From the ASCD, which is an endorser of Common Core and a recipient of more than $3 million in Gates Foundation grants to support implementation, comes a Policy Points memo in October, also entitled Common Core Myths & Facts. Here is their creation story:
States developed the standards. The nation's governors and state education commissioners spear- headed Common Core development to provide clear and consistent understanding of