Common Core is a step backward

The next year, 2014, has more than Obamacare to implement. In 46 of the 50 states, including Illinois, a collision is about to occur with a new teaching system called Common Core. If you haven’t heard about it, you are not alone; less than 10 percent of the population has, and of that, only a small minority knows and understands the major elements. You would think that something as significant as a literal national change to curriculum, methods and technology would be in the forefront since its inception in 2010. You would, if the creators wanted that way.

But they don’t. The original premise was that all states should be on a logical foundational path so that students who move out of state will not find themselves either a grade behind or ahead. It sounds logical, but somewhere along the process it got political. A team of six people set the process in motion by asking states if they would sign on (sight unseen) to Common Core, and if they did they would get a grant.

But the program is a move backward. A critical example, based upon current methods in virtually all states, is that algebra is taught in eighth grade or sooner so that students can be taught calculus as seniors. This has been so for over 30 years. These are the technical leaders of the future. To put them a year or more behind other countries in the future is simply unacceptable.

In addition, completely different methods and terminology will be implemented. This will affect teachers, students and colleges that do the teaching, as well as teacher certification and ACT and SAT tests. It will turn the American learning process upside down.

This can be stopped. To learn more go to www.heartland.org.

Richard Francke

Bartlett