3 Parent Common Core Time Wasters
by Guy E. White on 15 September, 2014
How are parents wasting their time, worrying about myths about the Common Core State Standards?
Every week on social media, I see parents complaining about the Common Core State Standards. Their intentions are pure: they are concerned for their kids – which I TOTALLY understand as a parent myself. Sadly, however, as a teacher, I see many parents wasting time with myths instead of focusing on what’s really important.
Most often, parents’ concerns over the Common Core State Standards are the product of key misconceptions about what standards are and how a classroom operates. Here are some helpful notes:
1. The Government Has Taken Over My Kid’s Classroom.
The government already has control of your kid’s classroom. Laws prevent teachers from preaching religious, political, or flat-out insane ideologies to your children. Accountability measures assist in making sure your children’s teacher is not playing fantasy football for eight hours during the work day. However, the government has not taken over in the way that you are thinking.
The federal government did not create or mandate the Common Core State Standards. They were adopted by most states. All states have had standards of this kind since the 1990’s. The only difference is that states are now agreeing that standards should be similar.
Instead of focusing on how the government has taken over your kid’s classroom, focus on how to help your student perform to their peak potential. Take over what learning environment you can: your own home and how you work with your student there. Assist them in becoming their best.
2. The Standards Lower The Bar.
Standards by nature are minimums – even if they represent the “ideal,” they are still the ideal for the average student. If you want your student to do better than the average, there is much work to be done. Your teachers want your child to excel. If your children are not mastering the minimum standards as is – as evidenced by their grades and consistent performance - then they need greater assistance. Start by assisting your child where they are today, getting them to master and excel in the classroom now. If they master these minimums and still need more challenging, then seek out outlets for them to excel further.
3. The Common Core Standards Are Brainwashing My Children.
As a full-time teacher, I can tell you that of all the influences in your student’s life, the Common Core Standards will probably not hit the top 10 list of real concerns. Don’t you agree? If you don’t see the logic, here is the real test: download the Common Core State Standards here and find me a line of text that you think represents the alleged brainwashing. Tell me about your concern in the comment field below. On another note, if you think your time would be better spent elsewhere, consider helping your student with their homework; creating an environment at home conducive for health, growth, and learning; or becoming actively engaged in their social circles.
I’d love to hear from you on this issue! Tell me what I’m missing!
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