Common Core

Yesterday my husband read something about Common Core and we were discussing it. I had already seen it, but as we talked about it I said some things that he really liked and wanted me to write it out for him.  So I thought why not write it out for everyone interested.

Most of the arguments about Common Core are irrelevant.  Whether or not it is a little better or worse for this or that kid is beside the point.  The point is that the public school system has never been good at anything more than preparing people for minimum wage jobs.  It has never prepared children for LIFE as good contributing members of a free society. The solution is not higher pay for the teachers, the solution is not more standards, the solution is not more tests, and it is not a new curriculum.  Why?  Because NONE of these things address the bigger picture that is fundamentally wrong with Public Education.  Public Education teaches children not to care about any one subject or passion by restricting their right to pursue it.  It teaches how to socialize (and not always a good way to socialize) and how to pass tests.  And that's just about it. 

 

 How many of us actually remember all the things we crammed into our heads to pass those multiple choice tests we took in high school?  If you do remember you are in the lucky minority who learned something despite and not because of the system.  Most likely you had one good teacher, or parent who inspired you and you took responsibility for your learning and you decided you wanted to learn whatever it is that you remember.  Until we abandon the flawed system for something that embraces giving children freedom to make their own educational choices, and consequently the responsibility that comes with it, we will NEVER find a completely successful reform.

Every child is different and inspired by different things.  And that is GREAT!  A successful community is built by many people who all have different talents and ways to benefit those around them.  You may be a parent whose child had a great experience with Common Core this year in school.  Great!  Does that mean every other child that had a terrible experience should be forced to fit into the same cookie cutter that your child miraculously did fit into?  As a parent with unique children who all have very different strengths and weaknesses (and I only have three) I say, "Not for me and My house!"