May has been a busy month for Common Core. There appears to be increased backlash against the standards and assessments as the reality of implementation creeps closer. One could argue about the degree to which the concern is genuine or political, real or perceived. The pushback ranges from those citizens and political groups critical of a national curriculum influenced by the federal government to educator groups concerned that resources and time are inadequate for an accountability (student, teacher and school) system based on CC-aligned assessments (including online SBAC and PARCC). These pressures have caused several states to pause or rethink their adoption policies. It remains unclear if this is a bump in the road, or less likely, the tip of a significant retreat. At the same time, there are also many key stakeholders standing up for Common Core and calling for states and education leaders to renew their commitment to implementation by the 2014-2015 school year.
Highlights from SIIA’s summary of happenings this month in CC include: a report on the state of common core by leading researchers; statements from key education leaders on recent Common Core debate; and perspectives from leading media sources. Other featured items include the recently released practice tests and recommendations for teachers and administrators to implement the CCSS.
With all of the recent uncertainty surrounding Common Core, SIIA sees it as vital that our members have access to the latest data and resources on CCSS. Look for more updates by SIIA in a month!
Meanwhile, SIIA members can review past SIIA webinars on CCSS, view session summaries from SIIA’s Ed Tech Government Forum in Washington, DC, and look for our upcoming (TBD) webinar on the Common Core timeline and implementation.
Lindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.