Barack Obama And Jed Bush And Common Core. “, .Common Core Has Failed:

Obama said in one 2009 speech, in which he praised states that were moving toward the Common Core. “It’s not that their kids are any smarter than ourspaced by other nations,” President Barack — it’s that they are being smarter about how to educate their children.”

Further Evidence That Common Core Did Real Harm To U.S. Education: Critics of the Common Core initiative have long argued that it’s not just what the standards focus on, but what they don’t focus on, that has damaged U.S. education. Now a working paper from the Harvard Kennedy School offers further confirmation of what most classroom teachers already knew. The Common Core standards, rather than encompassing all of education, targeted only two subject areas—math and English Language Arts (ELA). That narrow focus was further exacerbated by policies requiring a Big Standardized Test that focused on only those standards. History, science, the arts and other subject areas were ignored by both the standards and the standards-linked tests. “The Unintended Effects of Common Core State Standards on Non-Targeted Subjects” by Benjamin W. Arold and M. Daneesh Shakeel, tries to plug a research gap by determining if Common Core standards had effects that “spilled over” into subject areas not included in the Core. The math and research techniques are complex, but the conclusion is simple: We find a significant negative effect of the CCSS on student achievement in non-targeted subjects. The results are based on more test results and NAEP teacher surveys, so it’s fair to be suspicious of them. But their results fit with what teachers in the field will tell you about their own experience. Says the paper: We find that the CCSS reduced teacher-reported instruction time, instructional resources, and some dimensions of the quality of teacher-student interactions for the non-targeted subjects. MORE FOR YOU Why The Rock's Social Media Muscle Made Him Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actor Bray Wyatt Vs. Bobby Lashley WrestleMania 39 Match May Be In Doubt HPE Grows GreenLake With OpsRamp Acquisition Under the test-driven policies of No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, schools were judged, and in some case threatened with painful consequences, based on test scores. So many schools adopted a straightforward process. They would use (and in some cases, still use) a practice or pre-test version of the Standardized Test to identify students who were “at risk” for a low score on the official Big Standardized Test. Those students, particularly those who were close to the “passing” line, were then targeted for extra preparation in math and ELA. That extra dose of tested areas came at the cost of other subjects; those targeted students would often be pulled from other non-targeted classes. In my old district, middle schools students were pulled from history and science class and given double math and ELA to prepare for the test. To be clear, the effect described in this paper is more accurately ascribed to the high stakes testing regimen than the standards themselves. The testing was already in place as a result of NCLB, but Common Core was presented as something that all the state tests could be aligned to. The Core was supposed to became a sort of answer key and study guide for the test. The tests push, and the standards steer. Ultimately, it was only the tested parts of the Core that schools focused on; ELA standards include (untested) speaking and listening standards, but schools by and large did/do not give these the same kind of attention as the tested standards. https://www.forbes.com/sites/petergreene/2021/08/09/further-evidence-that-common-core-did-real-harm-to-us-education/?sh=5ef4200d88d8

Why Common Core failed: More than a decade after the 2010 release of Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics, no convincing evidence exists that the standards had a significant, positive impact on student achievement. My new book—“Between the State and the Schoolhouse: Understanding the Failure of Common Core”—explores Common Core from the initiative’s promising beginnings to its disappointing outcomes. hile the book is specifically about Common Core, the failure of that bold initiative can only be understood in the context of standards-based reform, of which Common Core is the latest and most famous example. For three decades, standards-based reform has ruled as the policy of choice for education reformers. THE THEORY OF STANDARDS-BASED REFORM The theory of standards-based reform rests on the belief that ambitious standards in academic subjects should be written first, guiding the later development of other key components of education—curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability. By promoting a common set of outcomes, standards-based reformers argue, the fragmentation and incoherence plaguing previous reform efforts could be avoided. The approach is inherently top-down and regulatory, with standards developed by policy elites and content experts at the top of the system. The other components, all of which are bolted to the academic standards, grow in importance downstream and are often under the control of practitioners. The book focuses on curriculum and instruction, the what and the how of learning. They are key to the production of learning in classrooms. Despite the theory’s intuitive appeal, standards-based reform does not work very well in reality. One key reason is that coordinating key aspects of education at the top of the system hamstrings discretion at the bottom. The illusion of a coherent, well-coordinated system is gained at the expense of teachers’ flexibility in tailoring instruction to serve their students. Classrooms are teeming with variation. An assumption of Common Core advocates is that variation in learning occurs primarily because of schools and classrooms possessing disparate, and all too often, indefensibly low standards—that if schools were brought under a common regime of high expectations, children who are falling behind would catch up or never fall behind in the first place. HIGH EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT ENOUGH That basic notion is wrong. Simply having higher expectations is not enough to drive systemic improvement downstream. One of the most highly replicated findings of education research is that a good predictor of how much students will learn tomorrow is how much they know today. Studies of interventions that simply ratchet up expectations without regard for students’ prior knowledge have yielded disappointing results. The “algebra for all” policies of the 1990s and early 2000s placed many unprepared eighth graders in Algebra I courses. They not only failed to learn algebra and fell further behind their peers, but many subsequently took a series of advanced math courses that doomed their high school math careers to repeated failure. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2021/03/18/why-common-core-failed/

After 10 Years of Hopes and Setbacks, What Happened to the Common Core? It was one of the most ambitious education efforts in United States history. Did it fail? Or does it just need more time to succeed? The plan was hatched with high hopes and missionary zeal: For the first time in its history, the United States would come together to create consistent, rigorous education standards and stop letting so many school children fall behind academically. Obama said in one 2009 speech, in which he praised states that were moving toward the Common Core. “It’s not that their kids are any smarter than ours — it’s that they are being smarter about how to educate their children.” A decade later, after years full of foment in American schools, the performance of American students remains stagnant on the global and national exams that advocates often cited when making the case for the Common Core. On the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, a test given every three years, the United States’ ranking in math and reading relative to other countries has improved, but only because of changes in those other countries’ performance — not because of growth in American students’ abilities on the test. And low-performing students, who were supposed to benefit most, have especially struggled in recent years. The disappointing results have prompted many in the education world to take stock of the Common Core, one of the most ambitious education reform projects in American history. Some see the effort as a failure, while others say it is too soon to judge the program, whose principles are still being rolled out at the classroom level. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/us/common-core.html The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System: Decades ago, the American formal education system was designed to meet the changing needs of the industrial revolution. What was once a time of growth has changed over the years and, with the current economic climate, that system is no longer able to meet modern needs. But what are the biggest failures of the American public education system, and how can they be remedied? In this article, we’ll explore fifteen of the biggest failures affecting the American public education system today. We’ll also explore five of the biggest emerging trends in American education. Policymakers are constantly fighting to make changes to the American public education system, and not all of them are beneficial. Over the years, there has been a great deal of back-and-forth that has left the public education system in shambles. Some of these problems are easy to identify and have been long-standing issues while others are new, brought about by advances in technology, changes in policy, and general change that happens with time. Every story has two sides, and for every policy or program put into place, there are going to be proponents and critics. Below you’ll find an overview of some of the biggest issues facing the American public system as well as arguments from people on both sides of the issue. 1. Deficits in government funding for schools. Funding is always an issue for schools and is, in fact, one of the biggest issues facing the American public education system today. For more than 90% of K-12 schools, funding comes from state and local governments, largely generated by sales and income taxes. Research shows, however, that funding has not increased with need – many states are still issuing funding that is lower than it was before the Great Recession. Lower funding means fewer teachers, fewer programs, and diminished resources.

2. Decline in school safety. There has been a string of high-profile mass shootings in American schools, resulting not only in dozens of deaths but many debates about school safety. In one poll, over 50% of teenagers said they were worried about the possibility of gun violence in school. Teachers all across the country are faced with the problem of figuring out how to prevent attacks and protect the lives of students and personnel. Some suggest special straining for teachers and concealed weapons might make schools safer while critics argue that more guns in schools could lead to more accidents and injuries. 3. Challenges with technology in education. Today’s students have grown up using technology and have come to expect it in the classroom, but there are arguments about how large a role technology should play in education. Supporters suggest that technology creates the potential for more active student engagement and provides instant access to up-to-date resources while critics say it could be a distraction. While technology in the classroom certainly has its benefits, certain aspects of technology are challenging. For example, smartphones and easy access to technology have made it easier for students to cheat and can negatively impact learning. 4. Controversy over charter schools and voucher programs. Another hot topic in education today is school choice. Charter schools and school vouchers allow parents to choose options other than traditional public schools for their children. Charter schools are funded by a combination of private and public funds and operate outside the public school system. School vouchers allow parents to use public funds to send their child to a school of choice, including private schools. Critics of these schools suggest that charter schools and voucher programs siphon funds away from public schools that are already struggling financially. 6. Decreased teacher salaries. Teacher salaries are by no means impressive and, in most states, they have decreased steadily over the past few years. In fact, research shows that the average salary for public elementary and secondary school teachers dropped by nearly 5% between the 2009/10 school year and now. States like Oklahoma and Colorado experienced a 17% and 16% decrease – these states also saw massive teacher walkouts in 2018. There are, of course, some states where teacher salaries increased, and some teachers received a growth in benefits that may or may not be enough to balance out wages that are low overall. 7. Emphasis on standardized testing. Along with Common Core, there has been an increased focus on standardized testing, especially during the No Child Left Behind years. Schools and teachers are judged based on student test scores which, many argue, is not a fair or accurate measure of efficacy. Many critics argue that standardized testing is one of the biggest problems in American education, suggesting that the pressure to produce high test scores leads to a teach-to-the-test approach and reduced focus on non-tested subjects like art. 6. Decreased teacher salaries. Teacher salaries are by no means impressive and, in most states, they have decreased steadily over the past few years. In fact, research shows that the average salary for public elementary and secondary school teachers dropped by nearly 5% between the 2009/10 school year and now. States like Oklahoma and Colorado experienced a 17% and 16% decrease – these states also saw massive teacher walkouts in 2018. There are, of course, some states where teacher salaries increased, and some teachers received a growth in benefits that may or may not be enough to balance out wages that are low overall. 7. Emphasis on standardized testing. Along with Common Core, there has been an increased focus on standardized testing, especially during the No Child Left Behind years. Schools and teachers are judged based on student test scores which, many argue, is not a fair or accurate measure of efficacy. Many critics argue that standardized testing is one of the biggest problems in American education, suggesting that the pressure to produce high test scores leads to a teach-to-the-test approach and reduced focus on non-tested subjects like art. 8. Arguments about teacher tenure. Tenure is designed to protect teachers from being fired for personal or political reasons – the school district must demonstrate just cause. In many states, tenure is granted to public school teachers who have consistently received satisfactory evaluations, though some states don’t award it at all. Supporters suggest that tenured teachers can advocate for students without having fears of reprisal while critics say that it makes it harder for school districts to dismiss ineffectual teachers. Some also suggest that tenure may encourage complacency, allowing teachers to put forth the minimal effort. 9. Bullying in schools. Violence in schools is a rising issue and bullying is a key contributor. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 20% of students in grades 6 through 12 have been bullied either in school or on their way to/from school. This figure is actually down from 32% in 2007 but is still much too high. The challenge with these statistics is that many students who are bullied do NOT report it. Bullied students experience a wide range of physical, behavioral, and emotional problems that can impact not only their education but also their lives. 10. Growing problems with student poverty. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 50% of the public-school population in the United States was made up of low-income students. This is a significant increase from 38% in 2001. This is a nationwide problem with 40% of public-school students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches in 40 states. In 18 of those states, student poverty rates were over 50%. Studies have shown that low-income students tend to perform lower than affluent students and family income shows a strong correlation with student achievement measured by standardized tests. 11. Schools are overcrowded. In the 2011/12 school year, the average class size in American public schools was about 21 students in elementary school and almost 27 students in secondary school. Anecdotal reports, however, suggest that classrooms today have closer to 30, and in some cases, 40 students. Teachers and other proponents of smaller class sizes suggest that class size influences the quality of instruction with smaller class sizes have improved student outcomes. Critics say that the cost of limiting class sizes is a limiting factor and that it may not be worth it. In Florida, class sizes were capped in 2002 but a 2010 study showed no significant impact on test scores for students in grades 4 through 8. 12. Student mental health challenges. Mental health is a growing concern in the United States and one that even affects school students. A 2018 study showed that nearly two-thirds of college students experienced overwhelming anxiety and anxiety has been reported in younger students as well. Even schools that are trying to make a difference face challenges. For example, the recommended ratio of students to counselors is one counselor for every 1,000 to 1,500 students but the U.S. college campus average is 1,737 to 1. Awareness of mental health issues is increasing, but there is still a stigma that prevents many students from seeking care. 13. Parents are not involved enough. Teachers in public schools can only do so much to support their students. When the students go home for the day, the state of their home life can impact their development both personally and academically. In cases where parents lack higher education, they may not be able to provide the assistance students need to learn and to complete homework. Students in low-income families face additional challenges at home, though even middle- and upper-class families aren’t off the hook. In many families, parents are too career-focused and have little time to spend supporting their child’s education. 14. Too many schools are being closed. Schools all over the country are closing their doors in numbers that are quite alarming. This only leads to an increase in issues with large class sizes and poor access to resources. It is easy for parents, teachers, and communities that are affected by closures to feel targeted even when school board members provide unbiased data. In some cases, closures cannot be prevented but they can be delayed and communities should consider other solutions or alternative uses for the school such as a community center or adult education center. 15. Lack of teacher innovation and outdated teaching methods. The teaching methods used decades ago simply do not work for the modern student. One of the biggest things holding back the American public education system is a lack of teacher innovation, partially created by the enforcement of standardized testing and the Common Core curriculum. Unfortunately, the problem really needs to be addressed at the federal level with changes to policies that will result in a change within the public education system. America needs teachers who are better trained to meet the needs of their students and who are willing to speak up and facilitate change. Teachers are on the front lines and, without them speaking up, change is not possible. Problems abound in the American education system, but growth and change are possible. Keep reading to learn about the top emerging trends in the nation’s public education. The Top 5 Emerging Trends in Education Though the American public education system certainly has its issues, it is by no means a lost cause. The only thing anyone can do is change with the times and there are a number of emerging trends in education that could be a step toward resolving some of the issues above. Here is an overview of the top 5 emerging trends in American education: Increase in maker learning initiatives. Moving away from a letter grade system. Changing classroom approaches like flipped learning. The institution of micro-credentials. Growing concern for social and emotional development. Now, let’s take a quick look at each of these trends. https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/the-15-biggest-failures-of-the-american-public-education-system