Diane Ravitch says that the CCSS have made so many promising claims that are, in reality, "ungrounded predictions." She says there is no evidence to prove that the Standards are beneficial to anything. The promotion of College and Career Readiness (CCR) has influenced everyone to climb aboard the Common Core. Many people including the Council on Foreign Relations and the nation's major corporations and chambers of commerce feel that the Standards will better the economy and military. Ravitch is skeptical and that is quite normal. She makes a good point by stating that forty-five states have adopted the CCSS while referencing Obama's Race to the Top federal funds of 4.35 billion dollars while leading her readers to think that maybe that was their reason for doing so. But, is this necessarily a bad thing?
I completely agree with Ravitch. Nothing is promising especially when it comes to leveling all students. However, I think the Common Core is a move towards the right direction. I'm not sure if the Standards will benefit the economy and military, but I highly feel that our students will get the best out of this. It takes time for anything to work properly. It's a matter of trial and error. You don't want anyone to suffer, but those are the consequences. Ravitch uses percentages to back her claim up, but my opinion still remains the same. Yes, everyone is not meant for college, but the same professional skills you learn in college must be used in any career setting. The same way one applies him/herself in the classroom will be how he/she reacts on the job. Also, the CCSS require more of the teacher. That is something Ravitch did not mention. Teachers must engage their students more. That will determine how students react with more difficult work. Ravitch feels that students may give up when approached with these tasks, but if the teacher abides by the standards of the Common Core, then I think our students will be prepared for those challenges.
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteThe main thing that worries me is the assessment. What happens if and when a larger percentage of students fails? Will this lead to more dropouts? The new standards are tougher in a lot of areas because these have been moved up a year or two. Will our students be prepared next academic year?
Hey Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteEmily here again commenting from IT 365.
As much as I want to disagree with the Common Core, I have heard some really good things about it. After reading these past two articles, I was very dissuaded by the CCSS; but then again, that's what the authors want us to feel... what they feel. However, you bring up some really great points. It is a matter of trial and error. How are we going to know if something works if we don't try it out and make adjustments, then try it out again and make adjustments where needed, etc. etc. etc...
The other article about Fundamental Trouble with the CCSS talked about how CCSS is just like NCLB (No Child Left Behind) and that it did nothing but increase the number of failing schools - so why aren't we learning from that? That's my only concern is whether or not CCSS will be just like the results of NCLB. I guess we shall see haha
I loved your line:
"The same way one applies him/herself in the classroom will be how he/she reacts on the job. Also, the CCSS require more of the teacher. That is something Ravitch did not mention. Teachers must engage their students more. That will determine how students react with more difficult work."
You're right. Whether our students attend college or not, they will have to have some sort of career to make it in this world. So, they might as well learn to carry and apply themselves whether they pursue a higher education or not. You're especially right about teachers playing a vital role in the engagement of his/her students. Whether the material is difficult or not, a great responsibility lies on the teachers to deliver the material in a way his/her students can absorb and comprehend it.
Great job!
Emily :)