The Common Core Controversry
by Michael E. Marotta
The Common Core State Standards Initiative was created by the National Governor Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers.
http://www.corestandards.org/resources
That is why 45 states (Republican and Democrat), four territories, and the US DoD have adopted these standards. Texas chose not to. It was their privilege. However, note that Texas does have a unified state school system. The State of Texas buys all the books for all the public schools, so everyone gets the same education. Thus, the top 10% of all students at all schools have guaranteed admission to the University of Texas. Also not adopting Common Core are Minnesota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Alaska. Again, it was their choice. This is not a Federal mandate.
Here is one rubric for 5th Graders:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.6 With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/5
Myths About Implementation
Myth: The Standards tell teachers what to teach.
Fact: The best understanding of what works in the classroom comes from the teachers who are in them. That’s why these standards will establish what students need to learn, but they will not dictate how teachers should teach. Instead, schools and teachers will decide how best to help students reach the standards.
http://www.corestandards.org/assets/CoreFacts.pdf
As you can see from these links, the homepage for Common Core State Standards Initiative is www.corestandards.org and you can find all of these resources and more there. Decide for yourself what its strengths (and weaknesses) are. But do not accept second-hand reports from political pundits whose careers are to make you angry at things you can do nothing about.
Also, as a note, various state initiatives such as Engage-NY cite Common Core as their motive, goal or inspiration, but those programs must also be evaluated independently from Common Core.
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