Reviews mixed over Common Core
By Bob Robinson

DARKE COUNTY – “Most people don’t realize we haven’t had local control (over our schools and curriculum) for 20 years.”

The Early Bird spoke with administrators of all but one elementary school in Darke County about Ohio’s Common Core. In order to elicit candid response, they were advised their names would not be used. Comments about the new initiative and the testing involved were mixed, from “they are trying to align the schools… impossible” and “I hate that **** computers are teaching kids” to “good thing because it has us dive much deeper… deep thinking” and “critical thinking.”

Almost without exception the concept of deep or critical thinking was seen favorably. “It’s forcing us to go deep instead of wide,” said one administrator. Schools have to start focusing on a skill set employers of the 21st century want, such as problem solving skills; there are different ways to solve a problem. “We are trying to address that.”

Testing? “That’s a whole different story,” said one administrator whose complaint was more on the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA). “We are over-tested! Districts are scrutinized based upon one week!” Another noted the previous standard, Ohio Academic Standard, had teachers teaching to the test. This standard was supposed to be more about, “Yes. That’s the right answer, but why is it right?” A couple of administrators had yet to see the tests, one saying that was the scariest thing about it… “They don’t know what it looks like yet.” Another agreed there will still be accountability. In some cases it’s on paper, in others on the computer, in still others a mixture. Various schools are addressing pilot programs. “I’m curious to see how that’s going to look.” In the long run, the administrator noted, more and more of it will be on the computer.

Another administrator was decidedly unhappy about the increased role of the computer in both testing and curriculum. “Some teachers make a subject come to life. A computer can’t do that!”

At the same time administrators understand the challenges they face. “Some students start school knowing how to read… others may not know a letter or a number.” The teacher’s job is bring all of them up to a higher standard. Ohio’s Common Core is much more rigorous, intensive… “Absolutely, it has to be! We need to teach kids to think…

“Our little guys are going to be the ones taking care of us.”

An administrator noted some scary statistics: Thirty-nine percent of Ohio college freshmen have to take remedial courses they should have gotten in high school. Seventy percent of our kids (18-25) can’t qualify for the military (education, obesity, drugs, prison). Twenty-eight percent of our high school graduates and seven percent of our college graduates can’t pass a basic literacy test.

Still, critics say Common Core will lower overall standards, with some noting local values will be threatened by reading materials and math approaches. Implementation is going to be expensive… computers, books, teaching materials. Testing, according to one administrator, could result in up to 10 hours on a computer screen. Several states have opted out of Common Core; Ohio is implementing the Language Arts and Math Common Core while Science and Social Studies remain Ohio based.

One administrator responded to the threat to local values, saying a recommended reading list is just that. Recommended. “Just because it’s on the list doesn’t mean we have to use it. We have the option of choosing other material designed to accomplish the same goals. It comes down to our teachers and the choices they make.”

Much work in all districts has gone into preparing for the new standards. “What are we already doing? What do we still need to do?” Some district administrators feel they are ready while others are still preparing based upon information they’ve received. All believe their teachers and staff are up to the task. According to one administrator, “I have a great staff. No pushback. They are very flexible and will do anything I ask.”

Another added, “There is a lot on our educators’ plates right now… 2013, 2014, 2015… When all of it piles up at the same time. I wish it had been rolled out differently. This was set up by people who have never really looked at how this plays out in a classroom or on a principal’s desk…

“This is hot in the news right now. And our legislators seem to be a little late to the party. This has been in the works for two years now… I don’t know if it’s THE way (to get the standards up), but it’s A way.” The administrator also asked the community to be patient… the legislature dictates; they have to implement.

Published courtesy of The Early Bird