1512 - Common Core Standards

When I first read about the Common Core Standards, I found it very intriguing. The mission statement of the Common Core State Standards reads as follows:
The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy. Common Core State Standards Initiative
That is perfect! Isn't that what we all want?  A clear concise outline of what each student should know and work they should be capable of, at each specific grade point? I certainly thought that was the way to go, when I first read about it. But now that I've had time to think it over, I have to wonder if it would be such an easy solution. We all want our children to have the best education available to them, and have them be competent and  able to conform to a national standard that would be appropriate for their age. But kids are different — not only from one another, but when it comes to their own varying facility across subjects as well. Any single set of age-based standards, no matter how thoughtfully conceived, will necessarily be too slow or too fast for most children. Why can't we come up with a system that addresses what each child independently needs to succeed. I've often wondered why we can't come up with a system of IEP's (Individual Education Plans) for all of our kids. Not just the students with a "Special Ed." label. A plan that addresses their strengths and weakness and tailors their education to fit them specifically. Under a system like this, each child might not meet a specific criteria at a specific age. However, I do think you could test for competency and make sure of mastery before promoting them on (or graduation).
In his article "The False Premise of National Education Standards" Andrew J. Coulson writes: "There is a far better alternative: group students based on their level of mastery in each subject, instead of strictly by age, so that each can progress as fast as he or she is able. By doing so, all children are taught the things they are ready to learn at any given time. No one need be bored into a stupor nor left hopelessly behind".
There has to be a better way.


Update on the Common Core State Standards At this time, Minnesota is not adopting the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. The commissioner of education revises the academic standards according to a timetable specified in state statute (Minn. Stat. § 120B.023, subd. 2). The Minnesota mathematics standards were revised in 2007 and are not scheduled to be revised again until 2015. Since the commissioner does not have authority to revise mathematics standards at this time, legislative action would be needed in order for the state to adopt the Common Core State Standards for mathematics.  MDE will continue to analyze the Common Core and Minnesota mathematics standards in order to provide information to the legislature, as requested.