News Brief

Separating Fact from Fiction about Common Core Education Standards

Recent backlash for the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) on radio talk shows and internet blogs has prompted Renee Schoof of the McLatchy Washington Bureau to examine some of the common misconceptions associated with the Common Core, and address the opposition that has become a "rallying cry" of the Tea Party and other prominent conservatives. Several points of controversy are addressed in the article, including the Common Core's perceived ties to the Obama administration, requirements for reading informational texts, teacher sanctions based on student test scores, and student data collection and use. While some prominent conservatives including Glenn Beck and writer-activist Phyllis Schlafly, have been attacking the Common Core effort as a dangerous threat from the Obama administration. Others including Governor Jeb Bush of Florida and Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, vocally support the initiative. Read the full article here.