Common Core. Sigh. A term that we hear quite often, but yet I don't know if anyone fully understands what it really means. I really think that there isn't any aspect of it that is easy to understand. As a parent this is frustrating- I can't even imagine being a child trying to learn with the Common Core standards. Especially if you have any learning difficulties.
Apparently "someone" thought the American education system was failing. I am not sure who "they" are that make these decisions. So in effort to become globally competitive and make sure all children got the same education country wide, no matter what state they live in "they" came up with Common Core. Fabulous, except for as a parent, I don't care about how my daughters match up globally. And honestly just because a kid in Alabama doesn't learn the Dewey Decimal system, but a kid in New Jersey does, I really don't think the Jersey kid has an advantage. I care that my children get a decent foundation of education. I care that they are happy and have a carefree childhood because sooner rather than later, they will be burden with the worries of adulthood. I care that they be able to read, to write, to do addition, to subtract. I care that they get to enjoy recess, to enjoy art and music.
There is also the slight issue that Common Core is attempting to teach a broad range of children with a one-size-fits-all attitude. Which is why our initial classic education system is deemed as failing. Think about a career. Say a doctor. Not every person is cut out to be a doctor. Not every person would thrive in that position. Not every person would be capable of the level of education that is required for a medical degree. So there are specific college courses that cater specifically to this career. Someone who was pursuing an engineering degree would not take these courses. Why do we allow adults the freedom to pursue which classes best suit them but not children?
My oldest daughter is bubbly, funny and social. As a parent, I really have to stay on top of her about homework and putting forth effort. When she does put the effort forth, she does well at general level classes. I really look forward to when she is a junior and a senior as she will be able to take a course at the local vocational school. I think she will love the hands on learning approach rather than sitting in a classroom seven hours a day. She is expected to earn a Regents Diploma, which terrifies me. I think she would easily earn a Non-Regents Diploma, but that is no longer an option. The very thought makes me want to cry for her. She is smart and I have no doubt that she will be able to succeed in life without ever taking Chemistry or Physics. We no longer have the choice to opt out of the lab sciences (update: I have been told that Living Sciences is the only lab they must take, but they do require 3 credits for Sciences).
That being said, she will graduate after struggling for a year to do her Chemistry homework but she will not be taught in school to balance a checkbook, to file income taxes, how to participate in a job interview, how to grow her own food, how to change a car's oil, how to create and stick to a household budget, CPR and other skills that are essential in life. She, and many others, will graduate never have been taught any of these basics. Thank the Heavens above she will have studied the Periodic Table though. That is certainly going to help if anyone ever stops breathing in her presence. Luckily I can teach her a majority of those skills, other children will not be so fortunate.
As shocking as the concept may be, I don't work full time by choice. It comes from need. Otherwise, I think by this point both my girls would be home schooled at least until they voiced a desire to go to public school. Please let it be known my teenager has actually asked me to please home school her. I froth at the mouth with envy over my friends who have made that decision. I have a new friend who is fascinating to me. She lives on the road with her family, traveling state to state in their RV following her husband's work requirements. Not only do they save on housing costs, can you imagine the experiences her children are getting? The different cultures and landscapes they get to see- it is just amazing. Nothing that a classroom would ever be able to provide. (Sliding in a shout out to her blog The Boho Hobos- check it out!)
Another homeschooling Mama that I adore just recently hatched chicks from eggs that her daughters helped incubate and prepare for hatching. Her one daughter sewed a doll for her other daughter as a Christmas gift. It was better than I could have ever done!
We are not all meant to be diplomats, inventors, engineers or doctors. Some of us lead ordinary lives and go the rest of our lives without ever having to use the FOIL method again. I think schools should use elementary to set a very basic foundation and then allow students to pursue different classes in high school. Interested in the medical field? Great, here are the Biology courses you can choose from. Interested in Accounting? Great, here are the Math classes you will need. Cosmetology? Sign here for technical school.
I really don't think the Federal Government needs to be putting their two cents in on the topic of education. I find it very ironic that they show so much concern over school attacks (shootings/ stabbings) but what do they do the minute someone upsets them? They wage war, chock full of violence. It is well known that bullying is a major problem in public schools, but when was the last time you saw an election that didn't include smear campaigns? Bullying at it's finest. They line their pockets while cutting funding to the schools, increasing classroom size and decreasing the amount of one on one attention each child will receive. They will send millions to other countries but ignore the American family living in the streets. No, I don't think the Feds are in a position to make any decisions regarding the children of this country. Not until they shed their hypocritical skins and lead by example.
And don't just blame Obama, Bush lit this fire with No Child Left Behind which started the push on standardized testing. Common Core has just changed the testing involved. Mr. President, no matter what kind of testing, curriculum or policy you roll out as long as you have children with empty bellies, bruises from last night's abuse on their body or learning disabilities courtesy of all the chemicals you allow to be pumped into Americans in order to feed your greed, nothing will change academically. You will still place behind China and Japan. Don't worry though, if that truly upsets you, you can just go ahead and wage war on them.
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