Whether to endorse and embrace Common Core, or to shun and scorn it, this is the question. One thought: since we started using Common Core, are proficiency scores rising or falling in science, English, math and so forth?
Judge a program by its fruits.
So, how have we done since Common Core came along? Are we better in SAT, ACT, and whatever other tests there are? I look up one, SAT, and see reading and math scores are slightly down.
Also, I am not in the classroom to know, but if Common Core detracts from the teacher being able to innovate and use his or her own initiatives, then that is a negative. I believe teachers will do best when they love what they are doing. Sometimes, the love of teaching comes with creating and implementing your own ideas and programs, instead of having them imposed from above. Not all teachers are this way, though, and many teachers do fine with programs handed to them, even relishing those programs and making them work.
But, for the teacher who does develop quality methods and programs of their own, get out of their way. It is a principle of leadership that if you have someone who will take a program and use their own initiative and ideas to excel, let them. Don't stand in their way by micromanaging.
So it is with education. If you run into a teacher with good ideas of their own, give them the ball and let them run with it. If you know the teacher will do well, let them opt out of Common Core if they think it stands in their way.
So, rather than opting out as a state, or a school district, I think I'd leave the decision with the teacher.
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