Why is Common Core Controversial?

Overview

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA). These learning goals outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The standards were created to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life, regardless of where they live. The Common Core is informed by the highest, most effective standards from states across the United States and countries around the world​ (The Core Standards)​​ (The Core Standards)​.

In English Language Arts, the Common Core standards focus on critical components such as reading, writing, speaking and listening, language, and media and technology. For example, they emphasize the development of reading comprehension, logical arguments in writing, and effective communication through speaking and listening. Vocabulary instruction is integrated across reading, writing, speaking, and listening​ (Wikipedia)​.

In Mathematics, the Common Core standards aim to achieve greater focus and coherence in the curriculum. They include Standards for Mathematical Practice, which outline approaches to developing mathematical understanding, and Standards for Mathematical Content, which detail the mathematical content to be learned at each grade level. The standards are designed to build a solid foundation in mathematics and prepare students for college and careers​ (Wikipedia)​.

You can visit the official Common Core State Standards Initiative website for more information.

Examples of Common Core

Here are some examples of Common Core standards for different grade levels:

Kindergarten (Mathematics) - Counting and Cardinality:

• Know number names and the count sequence: Count to 100 by ones and by tens.

• Count to tell the number of objects: Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted.

Grade 3 (English Language Arts) - Reading: Literature:

• Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

• Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.

Grade 6 (Mathematics) - Ratios and Proportional Relationships:

• Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities.

• Understand the concept of a unit rate a/b associated with a ratio a:b with b ≠ 0, and use rate language in the context of a ratio relationship.

Grade 8 (English Language Arts) - Writing:

• Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

• Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

High School (Mathematics) - Algebra:

• Interpret the structure of expressions: Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems.

• Create equations that describe numbers or relationships: Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems.

These are just a few examples, and the Common Core standards cover a wide range of topics and skills across grade levels. For more detailed information, you can visit the official Common Core State Standards Initiative website and explore the standards for each grade level and subject area.

Why is Common Core controversial?

Common Core has been controversial for several reasons. Critics argue that the top-down, regulatory approach of standards-based reform, which Common Core embodies, limits teachers' flexibility in tailoring instruction to their students' needs. Classrooms have a lot of variation, and the assumption that setting high standards uniformly would automatically improve student outcomes has been challenged. Additionally, the implementation of standards can vary widely from state to state and district to district, leading to inconsistencies in how the standards are applied in classrooms​ (Brookings)​.

For more detailed information, you can read the full article here.