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Where the Authors of the Standards Go Wrong About Instruction and How You Can Fix It

Corey Hayes

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Published in Uncommon Core: Where The Authors Of The Standards Go Wrong About Instruction And How You Can Get It Right (Corwin Literacy)

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Book Cover Of Where The Authors Of The Standards Go Wrong About Instruction And How You Can Fix It Uncommon Core: Where The Authors Of The Standards Go Wrong About Instruction And How You Can Get It Right (Corwin Literacy)

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of educational standards that have been adopted by most states in the United States. The CCSS are intended to ensure that all students are prepared for college and careers. However, there are some serious problems with the CCSS.

Uncommon Core: Where the Authors of the Standards Go Wrong About Instruction-and How You Can Get It Right (Corwin Literacy)

by Michael W. Smith

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	224 pages

One of the biggest problems with the CCSS is that they are based on a flawed understanding of how students learn. The CCSS assume that all students learn in the same way and at the same pace. This is simply not true. Some students learn best through hands-on activities, while others learn best through reading and writing. Some students need more time to learn than others.

Another problem with the CCSS is that they are too focused on testing. The CCSS require students to take a series of standardized tests throughout their school career. These tests are used to measure student progress and to hold schools accountable. However, testing can be a very stressful experience for students. It can also lead to teachers teaching to the test instead of teaching to the needs of their students.

The CCSS are also too vague. The standards do not provide enough specific guidance on what students should learn or how they should be taught. This leaves teachers with a lot of flexibility in how they teach, but it can also lead to confusion and inconsistency.

The CCSS are a flawed set of educational standards. They are based on a flawed understanding of how students learn, they are too focused on testing, and they are too vague. These problems have led to a number of negative consequences for students, teachers, and schools.

The Negative Consequences of the CCSS

The CCSS have had a number of negative consequences for students, teachers, and schools. These consequences include:

Increased stress for students. The CCSS require students to take a series of standardized tests throughout their school career. These tests are used to measure student progress and to hold schools accountable. However, testing can be a very stressful experience for students. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
Decreased motivation for students. The CCSS are too focused on testing. This can lead to students feeling like they are only learning for the test, not for their own personal growth. As a result, students may become less motivated to learn.
Narrowed curriculum. The CCSS are very specific about what students should learn. This has led to a narrowing of the curriculum in many schools. Teachers are now spending more time teaching the content that is on the tests and less time on other important subjects, such as art, music, and social studies.
Increased workload for teachers. The CCSS have increased the workload for teachers. Teachers now have to spend more time preparing for tests, grading papers, and meeting with parents. This can lead to teachers feeling overwhelmed and burned out.
Decline in teacher morale. The CCSS have led to a decline in teacher morale. Teachers feel like they are being micromanaged and that they have no control over their own classrooms. This can lead to teachers feeling frustrated and disillusioned.

How to Fix the CCSS

The CCSS are a flawed set of educational standards. However, there are a number of things that can be done to fix them. These include:

Focus on student learning, not testing. The CCSS should be revised to focus on what students should learn, not on how they should be tested. This would allow teachers to use their own judgment to determine the best way to teach their students.
Provide more specific guidance. The CCSS should be revised to provide more specific guidance on what students should learn. This would help teachers to ensure that their students are learning the content that they need to know.
Reduce the number of tests. The CCSS should be revised to reduce the number of tests that students are required to take. This would help to reduce stress for students and teachers.
Give teachers more control over their classrooms. The CCSS should be revised to give teachers more control over their own classrooms. This would allow teachers to use their own judgment to determine the best way to teach their students.
Invest in teacher training. The CCSS should be revised to invest in teacher training. This would help teachers to learn how to teach the new standards effectively.

The CCSS are a flawed set of educational standards. However, there are a number of things that can be done to fix them. By focusing on student learning, providing more specific guidance, reducing the number of tests, giving teachers more control over their classrooms, and investing in teacher training, we can make the CCSS a more effective tool for improving education for all students.

Uncommon Core: Where the Authors of the Standards Go Wrong About Instruction-and How You Can Get It Right (Corwin Literacy)

by Michael W. Smith

4 out of 5