In recent days, I’ve been asked questions about Common Core,
and more specifically, if it affects Christian schools. Sponsored by the
National Governors Association (NGA), and greatly funded by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, the educational standards known as the Common Core
State Standards (CCSS) were developed for the purpose of raising test scores
compared to other countries. It is believed that higher test scores indicated
better learning that translates into greater competitiveness in the global
market. If every state accepts the standard, then every school could
potentially use the same tests to assess and then compare results.
Additionally, every school can be certain as to the education standards that
will be expected for each student.
Many conservative groups have come out against CCSS. First,
it’s expected that conservative groups will oppose any movement that “nationalizes”
education, reducing state control. In
this case, states have not surrendered their control to the federal government,
but rather to a public association (NGA).
The federal government, however, has become involved. The Obama
administration’s Department of Justice heavily promotes Common Core, and $350
million of the Race to the Top funds has been spent toward developing tests for
CCSS.
Secondly, some oppose it because the educational standards
are deficient, improving the bottom half while failing to challenge the top
half. Because much of the literature requirements have been replaced with
informational reading, analytical thinking has been replaced with social
justice teaching. A proponent of this view is Sandra Stotsky from the
University of Arkansas. In a report published by the Heritage Foundation, she refutes the idea that this type of
language arts instruction makes students more college ready. Many public
schools already lack adequate instruction in analytical reading, contributing
to the lack of college readiness. The
fact is, as Stotsky points out, no empirical study has shown that informational
reading prepares students for college better than studies in literature.
Thirdly, many states have reconsidered CCSS due to
opposition by local politicians. Emerging concerns about the cost of
implementation and the forfeiture of state control have state leaders worried. While 45 states have adopted Common Core, many are now withdrawing or delaying implementation
while they re-evaluate its effects. North Carolina stands among states
rethinking CCSS. The state board of education currently has the standards under
review. Lt. Gov. Dan Forrest conveyed concern that Common Core has not been
field tested, and NC should not rush to implement these standards. Forest
compared this to the FDA rolling out a new drug without testing for its side
effects. Additionally, the financial burden of implementation could be a
deterrent. The Pioneer Institute estimates a price tag of $16 billion over 17
years for implementation in most states. This is a high price tag on a new set
of standards that has not been proven.
Fortunately, Christian schools have the freedom to choose
curriculum standards that promote our goals. Our students learn from a
challenging set of standards that exceed the Common Core State Standards. We
begin with traditional educational standards that have a track record for
producing college ready results. While we yearly assess our performance
outcomes and make improvements as needed, we do not rush in to trendy solutions
without a proven track record. While I
don’t recommend Common Core for the state of North Carolina, for Christian
schools, it’s not even an option. Our teaching emerges from a biblical philosophy
that has not existed in the public school system for over half a century.
