My son attended public school kindergarten a few years ago and so I was on the email list for our school district. Three years later I’ve kept myself on that list and occasionally will peek into the newsletters to see what’s going on in our area schools. One day a few months ago I noticed talk about Common Core. Today there is so much talk online about Common Core – and most what I’m reading is negative.
That isn’t all, though. One day I saw that my homeschooling math curriculum creator was talking about making the math line up to Common Core. I guess I assumed that would be good. But like I said, I’m reading more about the down side of this movement. And why should it affect homeschoolers? The only reason I can think of is if it were to infringe on our rights to teach what we want and how we want as parents and if it means our homeschooling curriculum creators are going to be dumbing down the teaching.
I thought this was a great post by Matt Gerwitz on Common Core and he followed it up with this one: CCS More Sinister than we want to believe.
So, regardless of whether you choose to homeschool or use public or private education, as a parent, you probably should start to dig in and find more out about this Common Core movement that is hitting American. My understanding is that in order for the schools to get money (or MORE money?) from the Federal government they had to commit to teaching Common Core. If I’m wrong, someone correct me.
Consider the advantage that homeschooling offers children- it’s not just about scores. This family with 10 children was featured on TODAY about how they sent 6 of their kids to college by age 12. Their mom says no one in their family is brilliant. They allowed their children to pursue their passions.
Personally, I’m still investigating this out, but I wanted to share some information that I think you should read… and a video (very entertaining) that I think you should watch. I welcome your thoughts in the comments. Are you for Common Core or against? And why?
Thanks for your comment, Katie. As much as I’m tired of feeling like I have to verify things in this world (isn’t it one thing after another?) it’s true, we have to be aware.
Tracy, I was so disturbed by your post that I read the links you suggested. I have been homeschooling for the past three years via a virtual school (public). I have not been able or willing to use the History or Language Arts of the curriculum they have given me for two reasons: the content is pathetic (where is the classic -GOOD- literature that creates great thinking???!!!) and for religious reasons. I was nervous about the testing they are required to do (since I’m not following their plan) but my kids are doing very well. I was encouraged by that family that EXPECTED to have fun every day while learning. Learning should be fun. As far as CCS, I pray for all of us to have wisdom and courage to know what to do about this. Thanks for your post – it’s given me lots to think about!