Photo Credit: Santi Vedri
The Common Core State Standards, implemented during Barack Obama's presidency with significant backing from philanthropist Bill Gates, aimed to standardize education across the United States. The Standards were rolled out nationally without a pilot program. Introduced in 2010, Common Core sought to provide a uniform framework in mathematics and English language arts for K-12 students. However, more than a decade later, the results have been far from promising.
Despite its initial widespread adoption, many states have since repealed Common Core. Yet, they continue to use similar variants, showing a reluctance to fully abandon the initiative. The reasons for this shift are clear: the implementation of Common Core has been widely regarded as a failure. Current statistics reveal a stark reality—over 60% of eighth graders are below proficiency levels in math, reading, and writing. This alarming trend underscores the ineffectiveness of Common Core in achieving its educational objectives.
One of the major criticisms of Common Core is its approach to mathematics. Students are often presented with problems and expected to solve them using overly complicated and illogical methods. This complexity has led to widespread confusion and frustration among students, teachers, and parents alike. Furthermore, the quality of students' writing has deteriorated to such an extent that many high schoolers now seek external help with their college essays. This reflects a broader issue: students' inability to write well and read proficiently. College professors have noted this decline, often cutting back on reading assignments because students simply won't engage with them.
The repercussions extend beyond the classroom. Employers frequently report that new hires lack essential job skills, including writing, public speaking, and basic social/work etiquette. This gap in competencies highlights a critical failure in preparing students for the real world. Additionally, the education system is plagued by high absenteeism rates, indicating a significant lack of engagement among students. Graduation rates have risen, but this increase is misleading. Many students graduate without mastering basic competencies, and there is an inverse relationship between rising graduation rates and declining SAT scores.
This widespread discontent with Common Core and the public school system has contributed to a surge in homeschooling. Since 2019, the rate of homeschooling has doubled, as frustrated parents and students seek alternatives to traditional education. The growth in homeschooling reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of K-12 education and a desire for more effective, personalized learning experiences.
The issues plaguing our education system are not new. Since the Department of Education's inception in 1979, the cost of education has skyrocketed, while performance has steadily declined. The rising financial burden on families and the government has not translated into better educational outcomes. Instead, we are witnessing a generation of students ill-prepared for the challenges of higher education and the workforce.
The need to repeal Common Core is more urgent than ever. Four U.S. States have already repealed the Standards entirely, with 12 States in the process of repealing them. Its continued implementation has resulted in widespread educational deficiencies, disenfranchised students, and frustrated parents. As we look to the future, it is imperative that we reevaluate our approach to education, prioritize effective teaching methods, and ensure that our children receive the quality education they deserve. Only then can we hope to reverse the current trends and build a brighter future for the next generation.