Comments for COMMON CORE

Comment on Top Ten Scariest People in Education Reform: # 5 – Bill Gates by swirlsofthought

swirlsofthought — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:49:37 +0000

Soooooo, thankful for this blog and the work you are doing- PLEASE, please keep it up! You are helping to inform the rest of us who wouldn’t have the time and ability to gather all of this info for ourselves! You’re doing a really good work here!

Comment on Utah Republican Delegates to Governor and State School Board: Withdraw Utah From Common Core by Utah Republican Delegates Send Clear Message on Common Core | Danette Clark

Utah Republican Delegates Send Clear Message on Common Core | Danette Clark — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:34:29 +0000

[…] From WhatisCommonCore […]

Comment on Utah Republican Delegates to Governor and State School Board: Withdraw Utah From Common Core by danette3

danette3 — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:25:37 +0000

Congrats! Sharing now!

Comment on Religious Freedom and Homeschool by Harry B

Harry B — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:01:10 +0000

Thank you so much!
I recently posted a link to this on my blog: https://cpstudenthub.com/common-core-info/

Comment on Hogwash Alert: “National Review” on Common Core by bob meyers

bob meyers — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:44:19 +0000

pls make this forwardable so others may see it!

Comment on Read the Full Text of Agenda 21 (Educational Systems to be Supplanted by Environmental Agenda) by Chris Garvey

Chris Garvey — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:20:47 +0000

Robinson TED talk

Along a similar theme.
It’s a good reason to abolish the US Department of Education.
Gatto is more comprehensive, and knows how to get kids to self-teach.

Comment on Read the Full Text of Agenda 21 (Educational Systems to be Supplanted by Environmental Agenda) by Chris Garvey

Chris Garvey — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:53:47 +0000

Here is a review of Dumbing Us Down:
http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/bookstore/dumbdnblum1.htm

Comment on Read the Full Text of Agenda 21 (Educational Systems to be Supplanted by Environmental Agenda) by Chris Garvey

Chris Garvey — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:50:26 +0000

Essential to understanding why we have government schools is the work of retired teacher John Taylor Gatto, who wrote:
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling is a book by teacher John Taylor Gatto. It has sold over 200,000 copies and consists of a multitude of speeches given by the author.

http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/

Comment on Does U.N.’s Agenda 21 Education Mandate Push Common Core in USA? by Staci

Staci — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:29:13 +0000

Hi there, its fastidious article concerning media print, we all be aware of media is a
fantastic source of data.

Comment on Professor Nicholas Tampio: On Gates’ Micromanagement of Education by Nicholas Tampio

Nicholas Tampio — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:16:12 +0000

I appreciate your comments. I agree that computers, stress, high stakes testing all pose serious health problems. There is wisdom in the Waldorf approach that has kids living and experimenting before learning to read. Leonardo’s notebooks are filled with pictures of running water. There are many ways to think, not just words and on computers. Much of the drive to test kids reflects adult anxiety rather than what is in the best interest of the child.

Human beings have not solved the dilemma of how to educate children. Furthermore, there are legitimately vexing questions about how to prepare kids for the twenty-first century. The Common Core literature exudes hubris: “The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world” and have students “fully prepared for the future” (http://www.corestandards.org/). First: who designed the standards? The passive voice hides that it is fallible human beings. Second: how do you have kids fully prepared for the next forty years? Computer technology is constantly changing. It is more important to develop intellectual skills than technical ones, the ability to think mathematically than to use a calculator.

From a political perspective, the Founders had the right idea: let communities decide about how to structure their schools. Parents will move to school districts that reflect their values. Citizens will try convince their fellow citizens about the merits or demerits of different approaches. The federal government may need to intervene–but this should be an exception, with an awareness of the dangers of breeding conformity.

America should have a wide range of excellent options.

Comment on Professor Nicholas Tampio: On Gates’ Micromanagement of Education by Nicholas Tampio

Nicholas Tampio — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:15:38 +0000

Thanks for your kind note. Freedom requires communities to deliberate and decide together.

Comment on Professor Nicholas Tampio: On Gates’ Micromanagement of Education by Preeti Ratnam

Preeti Ratnam — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:53:25 +0000

I wonder why no one talks about health effect for young children from constant use of computers. Think about their eyes, how strained they will be, think about the radiation from the computer screen. We used to have “screen free” weeks at school. Not anymore with common core coming? Just recently all the health professionals were alarming us about the bad effects of the prolonged use of computers.
Why all silent now? What about the dangers of stress that was such a popular topic to talk about? How does it go along with high stress expectations of common core? High stress high-stakes testing?
I wonder how many kids will fall very sick very soon… Diabetes, leikemia, and eyesight problems are just few diseases that will spread right away among the kids with common core.

Comment on Eduschuyster Article: Corporate Edu-Opportunism in Minnesota by Gerry&Sandy Tepley

Gerry&Sandy Tepley — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:29:44 +0000

Liberty , Freedom of choice , it is the peoples choice not government at any level . . . GT Prior Lake , Mn.

Comment on Religious Freedom and Homeschool by 2livelovelearn

2livelovelearn — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:27:40 +0000

Thanks so much for writing about this Christel. I just caught this on the news today. Yes, wars and terrorism are scary things but I tend to get more nervous when government “authorities” start mandating on what should be individual and family decisions. Thank you for taking the first step to resolution by making sure the public is informed!

Comment on What One Person Can Do To Stop Common Core by Pam

Pam — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:22:51 +0000

I would urge everyone to read this post. Join a local or national group against Federal government taking over our children and taking away our parental rights. If you don’t stand up now, you will eventually lost the right to do anything other than support your children. This is just one of many post if you would like more, please contact me http://www.natcure.org/what-is-common-core/

Comment on Professor Nicholas Tampio: On Gates’ Micromanagement of Education by fionasongbird

fionasongbird — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:45:40 +0000

You hit the nail on the head. Parents, schools, and teachers need to have the freedom to decide what is best for their students.

Comment on About by Ann

Ann — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:55:30 +0000

Lynette – I received a flyer from a friend who received it at Quigley. I forwarded it on to a group of parents. Hoping to get lots of people there! Thank you!

Comment on About by Ann

Ann — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:54:30 +0000

Thank you for your encouraging words Christel! And I did hear from your PA contact!

Comment on The Vehicle of Our Educational Future by NV Silver Dollar

NV Silver Dollar — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:59:38 +0000

Funny thing, I was thinking about Common Core in terms of purchasing a house without blueprints, knowledge of it’s location or cost. Another analogy could be Common Cake Standards. All of the cakes in every bakery are white and pastel, have no designs and taste like aspartame. Oh yeah, they don’t tell you the price in the display either!

Comment on Read the Full Text of Agenda 21 (Educational Systems to be Supplanted by Environmental Agenda) by David

David — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:25:50 +0000

WE ARE THE ENVIRONMENT. Our culture is what needs radical change. Why are we so worried about keeping our national sovereignty?(something we had nothing to do with). No one picked where they were going to be born or what culture they were going to be indoctrinated into. We are Earthlings. The teaching of sustainability is essential because it is not sustainability of a ‘separate’ environment but of ourselves. Don’t misunderstand me this Agenda still serves the monetary economic “master” if you will and is therefore corrupt, and will continue to maintain an elite while the rest of us will remain subservient to them. That is why I am a strong supporter of a “Resource Based Economy.”

Comment on The Cooperative Agreement Arne Duncan Authored That Proves the Initiative Illegal by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:19:20 +0000

[…] The federal mandate that testing consoria must synchronize “across consortia,” that status updates and phone […]

Comment on Top Ten Scariest People in Education Reform: # 9 – David Coleman by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:19:15 +0000

[…] Board president) is not, nor ever has been, an educator. In fact, that architect made the list of Top Ten Scariest People in Education Reform. A top curriculum professor has pointed out that the developers of Common Core never consulted […]

Comment on Secretary Arne Duncan: Reading, Writing and Redefining Terms by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:19:13 +0000

[…] The article claims that ”college and career readiness” doesn’t necessarily mean Common Core. Well, it does, actually. The phrase has been defined on the ed. gov website as meaning sameness of standards to a significant number of states. I would give you a link but this week, so oddly, the Department of Education has removed most of its previous pages. You can see it reposted here: […]

Comment on How Does Common Core Dumb Down Math? by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:19:08 +0000

[…] call this learning “fewer but deeper” concepts. I call it a sin. Common Core also delays the age at which students should be able to work with certain algorithms, putting students years behind […]

Comment on Top Ten Scariest People in Education Reform: #6 – Linda Darling-Hammond by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:18:51 +0000

[…] safe to say that Linda Darling-Hammond has as much say as anyone in this country when it comes to education policy. She focuses […]

Comment on Top Ten Scariest People in Education Reform: #7 – Sir Michael Barber, CEA Pearson by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:18:45 +0000

[…] sales monsters on the planet is Pearson, which is led by mad ”Deliverology” globalist Sir Michael Barber. Watch his […]

Comment on Renee Discusses Common Core Math: The Emperor Is Wearing No Clothes by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:18:27 +0000

[…] Where’s the basis for what proponents call ”rigorous,” ”internationally competitive,” and “research-based?” Why won’t the proponents point to proof of “increased rigor” the way the opponents point to proof of increased dumbing down? We know they are fibbing because we know there is no empirical evidence for imposing this experiment on students in America. The emperor of Common Core is wearing no clothes. […]

Comment on Rigor or Dumbing Down? Common Core Sets Learning Speed Limit at 15 by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:18:20 +0000

[…] the proponents point to proof of “increased rigor” the way the opponents point to proof of increased dumbing down? We know they are fibbing because we know there is no empirical evidence for imposing this […]

Comment on Christopher Tienken on Common Core as Education Malpractice by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:18:17 +0000

[…] the authors of the Hogwash article really not know that Common Core wasn’t based on anything like empirical data but simply fluffed up on empty promises and rhetoric, from the […]

Comment on “Insipid Brew of Gobbledy-Gook” – Professor Laura Gibbs on Common Core Writing Standards by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:17:58 +0000

[…] in the clientele of tutoring centers. Writing teacher Laura Gibbs calls the writing standards an inspid brew of gobbledygook. Anonymously, many teachers have published other concerns in a survey produced by Utahns Against […]

Comment on Math Teacher Stephanie Sawyer on Common Core Standards by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:17:56 +0000

[…] the Core” and teacher Paul Bogush calls teaching Common Core sleeping with the enemy. Math teacher Stephanie Sawyer predicts that with Common Core, there will be an increase in remedial math instruction and an […]

Comment on Ethics in Education Leadership by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:17:22 +0000

[…] Core in Utah “are liars”. Meanwhile, Republican Todd Huston of Indiana got his largest campaign donation from David Coleman, common core ELA architect; then, after Huston was elected as an Indiana State Representative and […]

Comment on Top Ten Scariest People in Education Reform: # 5 – Bill Gates by Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks

Common Core Curriculum and Agenda 21 | lisaleaks — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:16:56 +0000

[…] anyone who has been living under an education reform rock, know this: Gates is the single biggest promoter and funder of Common Core, bar none.) So, Fordham’s and Manhattan Institute’s writers should not be expected to […]

Comment on The Vehicle of Our Educational Future by Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:01:47 +0000

Good analogy. About a week ago, I wrote my own: http://www.ofgreatmind.blogspot.com/2013/05/an-analogy.html

Comment on School Board Member Speaks Out: Common Core = Complete Lack of Choice by Angela

Angela — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:47:35 +0000

Do you have examples of how the Common Core has lowered standards in these two states? I have a difficult time believing it has lowered any standards. I do know that based on extensive research of the spiraling of math foundations that there have been some directional changes at the pacing of standards throughout grade levels. Much of this has been due to the research behind the way the brain develops and makes connections. Much of the Common Core math has been built upon the experience of that in Singapore where they went from one of the lowest performing countries academically to one of the highest, if not still the highest, in math in the world. It has to do with the spiraling, teaching technique, and taxonomy of the way in which math concepts are introduced. To be honest, I’m not sure if that is what you are talking about, but that goes back to asking what examples do you have of the supposed lowering of standards and if you feel that is the case have you done research to understand what may have been the reasoning of such a thing? Quite frankly, I’m frustrated with the lack of understanding so many people have about the Common Core and yet their effort to get rid of it.

Comment on School Board Member Speaks Out: Common Core = Complete Lack of Choice by Angela

Angela — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:38:25 +0000

What I don’t understand is why you feel if your child is taught to standards aligned with the SAT and ACT, which research proves target college readiness and therefore more opportunity for success post-secondary, would be at a disadvantage. As an educator who has been thoroughly trained in the common core standards, I whole heartedly believe they are better for our children. They are a minimum standard that all of our children deserve to learn in order to be competitive in our global society. I would ask anyone who is fighting against this move, 1. have you actually been trained in what they would teach our children? and if so what current state’s standards actually are more rigorous or more in line with what the college and career world of today requires? 2. Why would it be fair or ethical to say that a minimum standard of learning should not be equal and accessible to ALL of our nation’s children?

The Common Core are minimum standards and still offer choice in the delivery of teaching and learning. They don’t function any differently than what each state has in place on their own. They simply set a new higher more rigorous and thought provoking minimum standard for the education of all of our children, which will further their readiness for college and the career work force. I think people in general are acting on their own political beliefs and not putting our children first and it makes me sad to think the 10 steps forward we have needed for decades in education are now being pushed back yet again.

Comment on About by Susan

Susan — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:36:56 +0000

Hi,
I live in Davis School District. Recently we had Judy Park come give her presentation on SAGE testing. When we finally got to answer questions, I asked something that has been bothering me. In light of allegations that it’s possible to glean behavioral tendencies from the testing without the test taker even realizing it, I asked her if the AIR program used to take the test keeps track of every keystroke. So if the student backspaces, changes an answer, etc, is all of that data kept track of. In my mind that can say a lot about the student’s behavior/personality. Indecisiveness, guessing, how fast or slow the student goes, and much more. Anyway, she could not answer my question at the time, but many others there seemed to want an answer. I followed up with her to ask WHO could answer this for me. She told me to email her. I did so and this is the answer I received: “The system is capable of capturing key stroke information, Utah will need to determine if we want to have that information.” In other words, yes. But will Utah use the information is the question they face. To me, the fact that it is capable of keeping track of this data is troubling. It sounds like AIR will have that info no matter if Utah decides to use it or not. It’s out there. And the bigger question is, why would they even need that, if not to glean behaviors?

My question for you is, is anyone aware this is possible? If not, what can be done to shed light on this? How should I respond to her answer to my question?

Comment on Why Is Common Core Illegal? by Donna

Donna — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:12:59 +0000

A summary of reply from Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction: Powers not delegated by the U.S.Constitution are reserved for the states. Since we are a local control state Mr. Evers could adopt CCSS or a similar set of standards therefore the 10th amendment does not apply.

Comment on School Data Collection Facts Summary by Common Core and the Loss of Local Control of Education — Research by Gary Kilpatrick | Grassroots in Oklahoma

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:27:10 +0000

[…] 28. Common Core Education Without Representation website, “School Data Collection Facts Summary,” accessed April 2, 2013, http://whatiscommoncore.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/school-data-collection-facts-summary/#.UVSOPuKUQYw.… […]

Comment on About by Lamarre Notargiacomo

Lamarre Notargiacomo — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:49:39 +0000

Christel, your power point presentation is awesome! Is there a way we can adopt part or all of it for use in our state of Florida? I do not have the teaching background that you have so I will have to study up to use it, but we are gaining momentum to Stop Common Core in Florida and your presentation is beautifully and professionally done. With visuals like you have used, the information is much more likely to stay in people’s minds. I am technologically challenged but networking with others who are not, and would appreciate any suggestions you can offer us to help Stop this Orwellian nightmare before the looming deadline for full implementation by 2014! Thanks so much to you and the other moms for your hard work on this project. Time is running out on our Constitutional Republic and we must all be activists now! God bless and keep you.

Comment on Georgia Governor Signs Executive Order to Stop D.O.E. Push for Common Core by Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:36:32 +0000

The executive order isn’t against common core – only against federally imposed standards (remember common core was voluntary – states were bribed to take it) and puts limits on data mining.

Comment on Marc Tucker at it again: “The United States will have to largely abandon the beloved emblem of American education: local control.” by David Forms

David Forms — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:15:23 +0000

If fools like Marc Tucker would look at the level of education prior to the intrusion of the federal government by the Carter administration he would determine that there is no comparison when local school boards were active and without the restraints of state and fedeal government. Local school boards were successful then, and will continue to be so as long as we not allow the Marc Tuckers of this world into local education.

Comment on About by Christel Swasey

Christel Swasey — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:05:50 +0000

Kayla, Sen. Mike Fair wrote back to say he is happy to hear from you. Mike Fair

Comment on About by Lynnette Shuster

Lynnette Shuster — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:53:52 +0000

Ann
Please know that you are not alone here is the website for Pennsylvania against Common Core
http://nopacommoncore.com/
It has a lot of information and action plans
Please sign the petition and forward to your contact list
this website also has a facebook page
+
lynnette

Comment on About by Lynnette Shuster

Lynnette Shuster — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:27:03 +0000

Ann
Concerned parents of Butler, Beaver and Northern Allegheny Counties are having a Common Core Informational meeting on
Monday May 20th – 7 pm at the Knights of Columbus in Wexford. The address is 250 Swinderman Road .
Please come and feel free to bring/invite/forward this information to other concerned parents as well.
I also experienced a lack of response from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, unfortunately they are following directions from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) who adopted/embraced the Common Core Standards.

to do nothing is not an option – God will not hold us guiltless
+
Lynnette Shuster
Beaver PA

Comment on About by Christel Swasey

Christel Swasey — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:21:07 +0000

I agree with you. Praying and trusting in God does not mean inaction. You absolutely have the right to ask for change. Even if you were not in a private school, your tax money and your children entitle you to question everything. You are the responsible party for your children’s education, not the school.

I see lots of options: go to a different private school, change the one you are in by educating the leadership on common core, start your own private school, homeschool, do a co-op with other homeschooling parents, or supplement the learning after school with your own tutor or home school. You can’t worry about the labels they slap on your forehead. They are wearing labels of their own. Just do what is right as soon as you figure out what right is, for you and your children. I have emailed my contact in PA for you.

Comment on Yong Zhao: On Educational Freedom by Marc Tucker at it again: “The United States will have to largely abandon the beloved emblem of American education: local control.” | COMMON CORE

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:02:17 +0000

[…] Tucker’s been arguing his point in academic circles for a long time. He got a recent beating-up by the brilliant Professor Yong Zhao for his controllist ideas. But he doesn’t give […]

Comment on Anti-Liberty Plan For American Education: Full Text of the Letter From Marc Tucker to Hillary Clinton by Marc Tucker at it again: “The United States will have to largely abandon the beloved emblem of American education: local control.” | COMMON CORE

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:02:13 +0000

[…] His 1992 letter to Hillary Clinton, which was archived in the Congressional Record, showed his twisted vision of a new form of […]

Comment on About by Christel Swasey

Christel Swasey — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:13 +0000

South Carolina’s Senator Mike Fair and Governor Nikki Haley are both opposed to Common Core. You are lucky to have such a governor! I will send you an email with some ideas.

Comment on About by Ann

Ann — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:40:04 +0000

I just found out that our Catholic school in suburbs of Pittsburgh is adopting a new math program that was written for Common Core alignment. I am trying to get answers. No one is responding to me! I emailed the Diocese Asst. Superintendent (who the office directed me too), I have been emailing our principal, and teachers. No real answers. The math program is new and unproven. I have 4 small children – all yet to go through elementary school there. I am so upset.

The PROBLEM is that every parent I tell blows it off! They all say – well, we can only pray. Praying and trusting in God does not mean INACTION!

I am torn though – given that we are paying tuition for this school, do we have a right to question and ask for change? Can’t they just say – “take your money elsewhere”. I don’t know how to handle this and get no response from friends and parents. I am also concered that I may look like a troublemaker if I keep pushing.

Public school is not an option for us – it is liberal and they use EnvisionMath and love Common Core.

Any wisdom, guidance you can give would be helpful. I would love to talk with you to get some ideas.