Compilation on Common Core Standards

by Various

The Common Core State Standards (“Common Core”) are two sets of K–12 academic standards that outline what students are expected to learn in English language arts and mathematics each year from kindergarten through high school. The goal of this academic checklist is not the acquisition of child-oriented skills such as literacy, proficiency, or increased graduation rates, nor does it embrace the more lofty goal of pursuing truth, knowledge, and wisdom. Rather the Common Core seeks to achieve the utilitarian purpose of making students “college- and career ready.” “College and career readiness” has never been defined by the authors of the standards, notes Dr. Sandra Stotsky, a member of the Common Core Validation Committee who refused to sign off on the standards.

The motivating force behind the Common Core is not the standards themselves, but the belief that a nationalized, uniform system is the best method of education. The Common Core was written by the National Governors Association (NGA)—an organization of governors, their head staff members, and policy makers—and the Council of Chief State School Officials (CCSSO). . . .

Today, 45 states are committed to the Common Core: two sets of mediocre academic standards intended to stretch across the nation; two standardized assessments funded and reviewed by the federal government; and detailed data systems that will trace students from preschool to the workforce.

Excerpted from Common Core Issues, Common Questions Answered, produced by Home School Legal Defense Association. See the full report here.

• Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Madison Will Not Adopt the Common Core State Standards
  Michael J. Lancaster; Robert C. Morlino (November 2013)
• Common Core Standards: Reference Not Replacement for Catholic School Standards
  David Laurin Ricken (The Compass, November 21, 2013)
• Why You Can't Out-Fox the Common Core Curriculum
  Stephanie Block (Spero News, December 12, 2013)
  
• Catholic Scholars Take Stand Opposing the Common Core
  Gerald V. Bradley (October 16, 2013)
  
• Common Core’s Substandard Writing Standards
  Anthony Esolen (Crisis Magazine Online, November 18, 2013)
  
• How the Common-Core approach conflicts with Catholic teaching
  Phil Lawler (CatholicCulture.org 12/06/2013)
• Pittsburgh Catholics Against Common Core (Website)

This item 10402 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org