Flying from California to New York and stopping in the middle, I moved from relative balmy and calm debates over the common core to fierce storms. In CA, implementation was delayed, and relatively smooth, with minimal pushback and very few opt outs from testing. In other places it is very different with an astounding 20%…
common core
The Upcoming Pain from the Common Core, and Why it’s Worth it
“I feel like a failure”, one of our top teachers muttered with downcast eyes. They had just gotten a glimpse of the data trickling out from the latest tests in California, the first that reflected the new, more rigorous, Common Core curriculum standards. This from a teacher who is on top of their game, has…
Understanding the “Pain” Behind the “Gain” in the Common Core
As a supporter of the intent behind the Common Core standards, teaching and testing for deeper meanings, and more complex understanding, it has been painful to watch its implementation. In New York, a rushed implementation without sufficient resources led to confused teachers and families, plummeting test scores, and a real and substantial backlash. And as…