Ok I never do this. But the more I learn about the Common Core debate the more I become intrigued, frustrated, and just plain mad. So if your not into it feel free to check out because Im not trying to start a 57 comment Facebook thread... Today the OK State Senate passed House Bill 3399 which would essentially revokes their initial support of the Common Core Standards. Just for clarification purposes...The Common Core is an attempt to get all of the states on the same page with academic content, with the hopes of providing a more equal and fair playing field for all students. The implementation of these standards are left to individual districts and most importantly teachers. HOW we teach them is not dictated. I wonder what would happen if the State of Oklahoma actually provided adequate support and resources to ALL our parents, public educators, and students in making the transition to the Common Core Standards. Maybe if the agendas and goals at the state and district levels were honestly and clearly communicated, maybe then the Common Core wouldnt seem so toxic. Perhaps because teacher salaries in OK are so ridiculously high (said no one ever), providing additional support would be too costly. So instead of working to solve a problem, it is more convenient to blame, find fault, and back pedal from the once enthusiastic involvement with the Common Core Standards. So say this bill goes through... what happens next? No plans as of yet. All theyve got for us is some vague comments about developing a new system that protects us from outside influence, but also, helps us establish probably the highest standards we’ve had as a state. Wow, highest standards weve had, please tell me more.........? No plan for education reform will ever be faultless in the fight to end the education gap in this country. Whether its Common Core or some other set of standards the state decides are the new golden ticket to education reform, change does not happen over night. Weve got to implement something long enough to actually see if its working. Oklahoma has adopted the Common Core now for a little over 3 years. At this point the state has barely even made a full transition, given that there are teachers STILL not teaching to these standards. How can we say something isnt working if we havent fully invested in it?! Consistency is what is lacking in most of my students home lives and its too bad their school homes arent providing the academic stability they deserve either. I will do my personal best to be a constant variable for my kids no matter what curriculum changes happen during my time here in OK. I know many teacher at my school are dedicated in the same way. We need to be here for ALL kids, it can never not be about ALL of them. Whatever happens with this bill I certainly hope the next plan of action will be given more than a, very weak, 3 year chance. kfor/2014/04/01/controversial-bill-dealing-with-common-core-passes-oklahoma-senate/
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 02:55:48 +0000
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