To the editor:
If you are like I was, you’ve heard of Common Core curriculum but don’t know what it is. After hours of research, I can’t explain it here, so consider: It isn’t a conservative issue.
The Chicago and New York state teacher unions are against it, and the NEA calls it “completely botched” and not good for teachers.
Conservatives object to “one size fits all” national control. It’s called No Child Left Behind on steroids and forces “teaching to tests.”
It was written by five people, none of whom ever taught K-12. No teachers were consulted beforehand. It’s called flexible, but it is rigid.
Math experts say it moves U.S. education backward. English/literary arts experts are highly critical.
It’s not a mandate. but teacher and student advancement depend on its tests.
Menomonee Falls abandoned Common Core to create stronger curriculum and standards.
Education is a local responsibility, according to history, the Constitution and Wisconsin law. The greatest generations gave us sound education systems.
If Common Core is a step backward, the failure will lay at our feet - yours, mine, our school boards’ and state Legislature. We are responsible.
Hear a review, entitled “Common Core Dangers” by Dr. Duke Pesta, academic director of the Freedom Project Education and professor of English at UW-Oshkosh at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Bonduel High commons.
Spend part of one evening hearing a qualified critique. If we don’t stand up for good education, we don’t stand for much.
Nate Burton,
Bonduel
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