by Bob Branco
Several years ago, someone decided that one size should fit all when it comes to education. As a result, Common Core was established. Common Core is a unified educational system designed to educate children equally throughout the United States. This sounds good on the surface, because it’s important to educate every child. However, school administrators and other educational leaders need to stop assuming that one size fits all when creating beneficial programs. To me, this is the lazy way out. There should be more of a thought process, otherwise, just leave things alone.
When I was in school many years ago, I enjoyed learning. I was better at some subjects than in others, but I saw nothing wrong with how we were taught. It worked, and I’d like to think I am a better person because of the quality of education I received. While we occasionally took the achievement tests and scholastic aptitude tests, I understood their purpose. It was a way to let school systems and colleges know where you stood intellectually. If you were a child with learning challenges, the school curriculum was structured according to your individual needs.
In spite of this terrific educational structure that I grew up with, someone decided to mess it up.
I know a mother who can’t help her young daughter with math because her daughter is studying Common Core. It’s not the math that’s the problem. It’s the way Common Core teaches it. Why should we complicate something that was already established as an easier learning process?
Instead of watering down education, school administrators should pay more attention to courses that are not emphasized as much, such as civics, history, Government, and other important elements which will help to produce good leaders moving forward. Furthermore, let’s not smother these kids with continuous standardized testing. Let each child learn on his own merit. What works for one child may not work for another, and vice versa.
Several states are attempting to vote Common Core out of their schools as part of a referendum. I sincerely hope they are successful.
About the Author
Robert T. Branco resides in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and is the author of five self-published books. He is a community organizer, tutors persons with visual impairments, has written columns for local and international organizations, and publishes a monthly online newsletter, The Consumer Vision. Bob’s website, with full information about his books, is http://www.dldbooks.com/robertbranco/.