National Curriculum Standards in Education Endorsed by Most States

Curriculum standards in education describe the objectives that all students are expected to master at each grade level. Standards are ultimately integrated with learning processes and critical thinking. Up until 2010, states set their own standards and testing systems. For example, mathematics' curriculum could be based upon the standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). A new proposal surfaced in 2009 which encourages states to unify behind a set of national standards in both English language arts and mathematics for every grade level.

Proposal

The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers are coordinators of the "Common Core State Standards Initiative." Experts from the ACT and SAT college entrance exam organizations were involved, as were some teachers, administrators and parents. The objective is to "provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the work force." Currently, curriculum standards vary greatly from state to state. The core standards' proposal was delineated in 2009. Feedback was sought from the public in general and groups such as teachers, college personnel, civil rights' activists, English language learners, and students with disabilities. The final draft is expected in June, 2010. States then have the option of adopting the curriculum in its entirety, with 85% of individual state standards reflecting the Common Core Standards. According to U.S. News in March, 2010, 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia have endorsed the proposal.

Pros

Advocates of the common core standards believe that if sixth grade students in Rhode Island should be able to divide fractions, then so should sixth grade students in Mississippi. They think it is futile to have uneven expectations across the nation when we consistently trail countries in Europe and Asia on international exams. Textbooks would be standardized. Students moving from state to state would transition better. Supporters say that the new standards would raise expectations in some states. Top-performing states are already utilizing rigorous standards. The federal government is acting as a bystander. Fans of the common core standards say that it is a "bottom-up" rather than a "top-down" operation.

Cons

Texas has opted out of the common core standards. Alaska has reserved judgment for now. Opponents of the core standards believe that much of the original draft was "conducted in secrecy." They believe that more teachers needed to be on the committee. This might affect how teachers operate. Some educators challenge their current state standards as well. They believe that adhering to strict standards takes the creativity out of teaching. They also fault the state for requiring an overwhelming amount of standards' testing.

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