tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post4775846760864472846..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: Hate Common Core? Be specificUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-87109021828676913382014-09-13T13:07:25.270-04:002014-09-13T13:07:25.270-04:00My specific complaint about the Common Core math c...My specific complaint about the Common Core math curriculum adopted in North Carolina is about the high school level. Mat I, II, and III now mix algebra with geometry and even trigonometry. My 9th grader is in Math II. Instead of focusing on a few topics and mastering them, they are jumping all over the place. It is very hard to keep up with the rapid changes. The same thing happened in Math I. He was on the verge of really mastering solving equations when, all of a sudden, they switched to the Pythagorean Theorem. That was stupid. He needed more time on algebraic equations. <br /><br />As for trigonometry, that is difficult material. Why is some of the material being introduced in Math II? It is really just faux rigor. It seems more rigorous than before because they are shoving hard material down to the lower grades. Hey, why don't we just teach Calculus in kindergarten? That would be super rigorous. We would have the hardest "standards" in the world. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-26052965020192635442014-06-09T23:19:42.587-04:002014-06-09T23:19:42.587-04:00is this specific enough for you. Traditional publi...is this specific enough for you. Traditional public education is expensive and it's ineffective, common core or not. Traditional public education has failed the children in this country, both smart kids and average children have suffered long enough in a system which embraces being mediocre. Public schools are more concerned with everything but education, things such as sports are far more important than academics. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-62731032421661017552014-06-08T12:18:43.297-04:002014-06-08T12:18:43.297-04:00I think the original question posed is not fair. I...I think the original question posed is not fair. It reeks of passive aggressiveness by the poser. Too much documented, fact based research is available to any citizen for this to be a true beginning for problem solving the demise of education in NC. The true problem solving will not take place via a media outlet, a radio interview, TV show or an agenda driven appearance. True problem solving will take place with in person conversations. Fact based documents and people willing to act accordingly based on the documented evidence, not blindly chucking the evidence out the door and hoping Common Core will work. <br />It is horrid to think that, we the adults, the leaders don't already see what's wrong with Common Core. However, it would depend upon what lens you are using..the lenses of truth that education is a state based, local sovereign decision or the lens that say the national one-size-fits-all education is a federal decision. We, the adults, as our children's leaders should be able to SEE that if we can't name a specific about what is wrong, that's fine..Wrong is wrong, specifics notwithstanding. Common Core is wrong on every level, every standard, just like a screen door on a submarine is wrong. You don't need a degree, specifics or anything else to realize this!<br />Why are we spending so much time on 'what's the problem?' and not enough energy on 'here's the solution!'<br />You want specifics? A quick internet search will give you plenty.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09592461610844390058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-74575602709023993582014-06-08T10:58:29.397-04:002014-06-08T10:58:29.397-04:00How specific would the Superintendent like people ...How specific would the Superintendent like people to be? As specific as, say, a typical Common Core Math problem?Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02605402760873643451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-91766409039394409922014-06-08T07:31:49.413-04:002014-06-08T07:31:49.413-04:00Alicia -- YES!
Alicia -- YES!<br />LadyLiberty1885 - A.P. Dillonhttp://ladyliberty1885.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-48263028998763322882014-06-08T07:30:09.750-04:002014-06-08T07:30:09.750-04:00"we aren't sure now what those exams will..."we aren't sure now what those exams will really be on as the Common Core is out by July 1 and miraculously there will be a "new and improved" less "federally intrusive" version of a curriculum ready to go by August"<br /><br />Incorrect. The bills in the Legislature don't remove common core like a band-aid being ripped off. There is a commission to review and replace. <br />Bill link: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2013&BillID=h1061<br /><br />You are correct on the curving. It's an attempt to dress the window after you've already put the mannequins in.LadyLiberty1885 - A.P. Dillonhttp://ladyliberty1885.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-8520896542307045992014-06-08T07:27:41.630-04:002014-06-08T07:27:41.630-04:00Yes, and so are several books that would make some...Yes, and so are several books that would make some adults uncomfortable too. The most publicized one is Morrison's "Bluest Eye", which is basically a glorification of a child rapist with scenes that would make the most toughened Marine flinch.<br /><br />Read Appendix B for Common Core.<br />Read the "Text Exemplars" list for NC. (link below)<br /><br />http://elaccss.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/file/view/ELA%20Text%20exemplars.pdf/291461313/ELA%20Text%20exemplars.pdfLadyLiberty1885 - A.P. Dillonhttp://ladyliberty1885.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-73963364249448719162014-06-08T07:23:20.191-04:002014-06-08T07:23:20.191-04:00While that is true, folks should be aware that the...While that is true, folks should be aware that the point of CCSS is to align all subjects. In fact, the whole point of ELA and math being rolled out first is so they could be templates to use for all the other subjects. From what I have seen, NC looks like it is attempting to align History and Social Studies. <br /><br />http://ssnces.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/file/view/Social%20Studies%20Pic%20for%20Wiki%202013%20Upload.jpg/401863438/858x688/Social%20Studies%20Pic%20for%20Wiki%202013%20Upload.jpg<br /><br />Having said that, the details at DPI for Social studies look promising: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/socialstudies/rigorous-ap/<br /><br />Parents should read up on The National Council On The Social Studies and the C3 Framework. <br /><br />http://stopcommoncorenc.org/2013/10/12/c-3-framework-social-studies-released/<br />http://stopcommoncorenc.org/2013/11/12/c-3-social-studies-framework-update/<br /><br />Two from NC were involved in this framework:<br />John Lee Ph.D., Associate Professor of Social Studies Education, NC State Uiniversity<br />Bruce VanSledright, Professor of History and Social Studies Education,UNC Charlotte<br /><br />NC's Council on Social Studies cites the Natl. Council for books and documents.<br />http://ncsocialstudies.org/resources/<br /><br />And NC Council On Social Studies is an affiliate.<br />http://www.socialstudies.org/getinvolved/ncssaffiliatecouncilsLadyLiberty1885 - A.P. Dillonhttp://ladyliberty1885.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-38471379471329255692014-06-08T07:08:27.402-04:002014-06-08T07:08:27.402-04:00I don't have a problem with kids being challen...I don't have a problem with kids being challenged either. If Common Core did that and was age/developmentally appropriate in elementary, I'd be on board. What it does on the back end in the later grades is a sham. When you look at it as a whole, it is as though the standards are designed to be a mental beat down of our youngest learners so later they just jump through the hoops as directed. There is no raising of critical thinking there. They are told what and how to think, not how to think for themselves.<br /><br />I agree - parents need to WAKE UP.LadyLiberty1885 - A.P. Dillonhttp://ladyliberty1885.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-54689591563045647162014-06-07T16:52:15.505-04:002014-06-07T16:52:15.505-04:00Renee,
Great response.
AliciaRenee,<br />Great response.<br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-25577572864912028492014-06-07T16:50:45.726-04:002014-06-07T16:50:45.726-04:00Lady Liberty,
Ahh!!!!
"CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L....Lady Liberty,<br /><br />Ahh!!!!<br /><br />"CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1a Print all upper- and lowercase letters. = OK Standard for 6 yrs old<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1b Use common, proper, and possessive nouns.<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1c Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences (e.g., He hops; We hop).<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1d Use personal, possessive, and indefinite pronouns (e.g., I, me, my; they, them, their, anyone, everything).<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1e Use verbs to convey a sense of past, present, and future (e.g., Yesterday I walked home; Today I walk home; Tomorrow I will walk home).<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1f Use frequently occurring adjectives.<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1g Use frequently occurring conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so, because).<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1h Use determiners (e.g., articles, demonstratives).<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1i Use frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., during, beyond, toward).<br />CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.1j Produce and expand complete simple and compound declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences in response to prompts".<br /><br />My response to "Clarifying Objectives": <br />Less clarity, more sanity?<br /><br />Having recently completed a post-bac. program in Elementary Education, I support the theory of universal Common Core standards - just like I supported the "theory" of NCLB which was noble in concept but a miserable failure in execution because in the real world, the devil is in the details. <br /><br />As a former specialty area teacher who studied one subject exclusively in great depth, I struggle with the shear breadth of general elementary level "clarifying objectives" (i.e., WHAT to teach) at the expense of learning HOW to teach. There seems to be a disconnect between what prospective teachers are expected to master at the college level in order to become "effective" (like navigating an entire encyclopedia of clarifying objectives) and the reality of taking this acquired "knowledge" into the classroom. <br /><br />Alicia<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-50627275096118533922014-06-07T11:23:24.748-04:002014-06-07T11:23:24.748-04:00Matt it all comes down to eduction being a profit ...Matt it all comes down to eduction being a profit machine. The bottom line is that education is a huge market for companies and consultants looking to profit off of America's children at the expense of true education. Your comments are right on the mark! There are far too many "Experts" examining education from the outside.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-45640393748250935802014-06-07T11:19:21.267-04:002014-06-07T11:19:21.267-04:00I have 10 years of college and I was reading over ...I have 10 years of college and I was reading over some of the Common Core Test prep books with my fifth grade students and I couldn't figure out what the problem was asking. I consulted with my colleagues and they were equally stumped. If we as educators can't understand the wording of the problem, how are fifth graders going to understand? You're right Barb, the problems are very confusing and poorly written.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-53397192793995024702014-06-07T11:14:01.938-04:002014-06-07T11:14:01.938-04:00Excellent response!Excellent response!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-62969701756196922802014-06-07T09:00:14.363-04:002014-06-07T09:00:14.363-04:00Common core, at least at the elementary level, is ...Common core, at least at the elementary level, is completely AGE INAPPROPRIATE. All the teachers know this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-38825247479125421282014-06-07T08:51:28.539-04:002014-06-07T08:51:28.539-04:00I "hate" the fallacy that schools can us...I "hate" the fallacy that schools can use their own curriculum but, if that curriculum is not aligned with the common core then the children will fail the assessments. So, districts and states across the country are FORCED to purchase their materials from the behemoths making fist over fist of cash with their Common Core "aligned" materials. YET, the material is inappropriate, poorly contrived, has minimal "educator" input and fails to actually teach children what the standards detail. So the marriage of corporate and gov. forces to take over education is what I "hate" about the Common Core. <br />Another thing I "hate" about the common core, is the test heavy ideals that it brings with it. What real education system needs three days of testing in 2 or 3 subject areas to really know if the student has mastered the basic needs of a given grade? How is it that I am able to attend a graduate program and at the end take a 6 hour exam (the same time allotted for 5th graders) to assess my entire understanding of 2 plus years of University level education. Yet we think we need to give the same level of assessment to an 8 year old to assess only 3/4 of their school year. There seems to be a fundamental flaw in that arrangement. Could it be that the woes of our American children be "tested" out so that poverty is no longer reflected in the classroom (if we teach those poor kids how to pass a test it will) or that those unique and diverse students with special education needs will be able to "test out" so that they look as though they are in fact learning at the same rate as their suburban, white peers? Sure if we teach to the test. If we teach the teachers how to teach to the test, EVEN BETTER! Then we'll have highly effective test teachers with classes full of kids who know how to take tests but are clueless about life and how to move beyond the testing machine called school. <br />As for a alternative. Yes, I do have a suggestion. Many states had higher standards than the Common Core, but sacrificed them to get the RtTT monies and the waiver from the abysmal and punitive aspects of NCLB. Allow those states to re-implement those standards. If there are states that were lagging severely then tell them they have to choose from among those that are excellent. NYS, MA, Conn. and Colo. all had standards that had exceeded the Common Core. However, those same states had developmentally appropriate standards with the higher order thinking skills applicable in the appropriate grades v. the CC where there is a very severe disconnect between what students "can" learn and what the powers that be "want" the students to learn. So yes, there is an answer to your two questions. I would happily provide specific Standards that are developmentally inappropriate if you so desire. Just ask. Curkganghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12243471749464276626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-71402396670515082912014-06-07T06:49:22.112-04:002014-06-07T06:49:22.112-04:00Let me see if I have all of this straight...due to...Let me see if I have all of this straight...due to recent decisions by the NC Legislature next year will look like the following: larger classes due to fewer teachers + NO...I repeat, NO attendance policy + kids still have to take State exams even if they haven't been in the class due to the previously stated no attendance policy + we aren't sure now what those exams will really be on as the Common Core is out by July 1 and miraculously there will be a "new and improved" less "federally intrusive" version of a curriculum ready to go by August (ha!) + those tests that we don't know what they will really be about have a HUGE curve...like 40 points of a curve for some kids, but the teachers are STILL evaluated on the RAW score (not the curved score) + no tenure protections that provide due process so the teacher can have a chance to explain that little Suebunny didn't come to class for 27 days out of the year and that's probably why Suebunny made the 43 on the exam, but because of the curve, she really got an 83 on the exam for the gradebook and was then passed, but it's the teacher's fault she really didn't pass so now the teacher doesn't have a job because the data says the teacher isn't doing his/her job...and because of the millions wasted on 3 curriculum changes in 5 years we won't have money to replace or recruit or retain teachers... Did I get all of that right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-21309472194340975492014-06-06T20:07:57.807-04:002014-06-06T20:07:57.807-04:00So wasn't one of the recommendations of Common...So wasn't one of the recommendations of Common Core for reading, writing, etc. to read federal documents?<br /><br />Take back our schoolsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-42806075791388603612014-06-06T18:35:45.584-04:002014-06-06T18:35:45.584-04:00@ 6:05 there is no "leftist socialism" ...@ 6:05 there is no "leftist socialism" in the NC essential standards; the person saying that there is clearly has not read them. <br /><br />That said, I too was going to post a comment correcting the misconception that the social studies and science standards are Common Core. Which rather feeds into the idea that many people do not actually know what Common Core is.<br /><br />However, I would argue that the social studies standards and tests do demonstrate a discernible influence from and similarity to the Common Core standards-- they are very vague, often developmentally inappropriate, and very difficult to assess in an objective manner. Perhaps it was this influence that anon 12:41 was referring to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-31850691296784825062014-06-06T18:05:06.211-04:002014-06-06T18:05:06.211-04:00Just to clarify, for teacher anon 12:41 and others...Just to clarify, for teacher anon 12:41 and others commenting here, the NC social studies and science standards were developed in NC by NC folks at DPI and a group of "expert teachers". They are NOT part of the Common Core Standards, so if you have issues with "leftist socialism" talk to those in charge at the state level. Getting rid of the Common Core Standards will not necessarily change the social studies and science standards as those are state standards.<br /><br />The tests for the NC social studies and science classes were also developed by NC teachers and DPI.<br /><br />Common Core Standards are for English/Language Arts and Math ONLY. All other content area standards are NC state standards.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-45918617279450316792014-06-06T16:41:13.645-04:002014-06-06T16:41:13.645-04:00Jon Golden, You were pretty harsh in your criticis...Jon Golden, You were pretty harsh in your criticism of those opposing Common Core (not to mention your insertion of politics). We've had some very thoughtful posts replying to your request for specifics. Are we going to hear a response from you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-57015008745238973722014-06-06T15:46:34.445-04:002014-06-06T15:46:34.445-04:0012:41 history teacher you are correct. The common ...12:41 history teacher you are correct. The common core is ridiculous, and in the end frustrates the student and they do not learn the intended subject matter.Zippynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-80347346412311399692014-06-06T15:05:10.386-04:002014-06-06T15:05:10.386-04:00it has been truly been very interesting to read th...it has been truly been very interesting to read the feedback provided by many of you with regards to Common Core, thank you! <br /><br />Whether you are a supporter or not, it does appear that Common Core is on the way out in our state. I think the last step will be the governor's signature.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-62770214596163379732014-06-06T12:41:02.802-04:002014-06-06T12:41:02.802-04:00As a world history teacher using them, I can assur...As a world history teacher using them, I can assure you they are developmentally inappropriate, cumbersome, unreasonable in scope and breadth. The concepts for 14 year olds read like an A.P. class. There are pages and pages of hundreds of clarifying objectives such as " Analyze the rise and spread of various empires in terms of influence, achievements, and lasting impact ( e.g. Mongol, Ottoman, Ming, Mesoamerica, Inca, Imperial states in Africa, etc...)" And that is ONE of the MANY!Students are then given a 37 -41 question exam covering 7000 years of history and five continents! The exam content is not known by the teacher ahead of time, so he/she runs at warp speed to try to cover all the possible content in less than one semester because he/she knows his/her job will depend on the test score because of Standard Six. I could type for hours and give insane examples of this curriculum, but, you get the picture? CC needs to go! RttT needs to go. Teacher punishment for political purposes needs to go! Hire people you trust. Let them teach. Let them assess!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-8560455888593455462014-06-06T12:17:24.441-04:002014-06-06T12:17:24.441-04:00Common Core or What?
Either way standards, if any,...Common Core or What?<br />Either way standards, if any, are way too low. <br />Have you noticed; cashiers don't even know how to make change any more...and they're beyond elementary school age - which is where subtraction is supposed to be finessed isn't it?<br />Never mind the bad spelling on signs!!<br />The system just produces ignorance.<br />Common core standards need to be raised. Not abandoned in favor of no apparent alternative. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com