This article stirred a lot of emotion in me, as I am sure it did in many other teachers/interns. With the implementation of Common Core, there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered. The ones making decisions pertaining to the CCSS don't know the answers either many times. But they do know that there will be shock and push-back. The implementation of Common Core will take time, and the standards and evaluations don't allow time. As said in the article, many states are looking at revoking the CCSS or are holding off on implementing them. I know Georgia is following the CCSS but is not going to require the taking of the PARCC exam. I also know that Tennessee is following the CCSS from now on and will be requiring the PARCC in the future. However, the PARCC is not going to be administered until the 2014-2015 school year. Which basically makes this year a wash when it comes to state test scores (I think this is where most teachers get irate over the implementation of CC).
There are many problems with this whole implementation process of the Common Core State Standards. The problems detract the fact that the standards are, in my opinion, a good step in the right direction. There are many aspects that will prove highly beneficial in the long run. However, the confusion overshadows the benefits that lie with the CCSS.
Wes, I agree with you that it will take time for us to see the true benefits of Common Core. It's funny to me that people expect to see gains from this year when we are asking our students to change the way they think about math. The pressure is great for teachers to make gains in test scores, but I think this ultimately detracts from the real reasons we teach. Great post!
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