Monday's Mission

            Pretty much every teacher in the country has heard about the Common Core Standards.  Every state except Alaska, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Virginia has adopted the standards.  So, the question that needs to be asked is: What is the purpose of Common Core?

            According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative website (http://www.corestandards.org), “The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a significant and historic opportunity for states to accelerate and drive education reform toward the ultimate goal of all children graduating from high school ready for college, work, and success in the global economy.”

            If you’re like me, you’re still wondering what exactly that means.  Well, my opinion is the Common Core Standards are designed to further challenge our students and better prepare them for life outside of school.  As teachers, it is our responsibility to educate students.  The problem comes when teachers forget that.  I am a firm believer that education is not about the teacher, but the students.  I will do anything in my power to help a child succeed, and Common Core is supposed to provide more rigorous standards for our students.  Is that really such a bad thing? I don’t think so. 

            I’m not saying I am a proponent of Common Core.  My district has implemented the standards for Math this year.  While I did go to training on them, I do not teach those standards.  We will be implementing English Language Arts standards next year.  As with any trends in education, only time will determine if the Common Core Standards actually fulfill their purpose.  My only hope is that our students do not suffer and receive the education they deserve.