Common Core

Michael Esqueda

Prof. Reggie Miller

Philosophy B9 MW 8AM-10:05AM

DI: Common Core

Dr. Ernie Zarra, author of "Eventually we're going to leave a dumbed-down generation behind," argues that Common Core will not get our students ready for college, or set them up for success out of high school. Zarra explains that not all educators are supporting the Common Core program. These administrators and teachers are afraid to speak out against common core in fear of being "blacklisted as unsupportive." Zarra goes on to argue that if common core is left unchecked it will eventually evolve into a "nationalized curriculum." He shows that our youth are testing behind other countries around the world and politicians want a rigorous push to compete with them. Zarra concludes that if our education system is not reformed in a dramatic fashion we will leave behind a generation that can not compete globally.

I respectfully disagree with Dr. Ernie Zarras' argument of the Common Core curriculum. Common Core outlines more rigorous standards to help high school students develop higher skills to be competitive in a job market. Some argue that schools will lack diversity by following the same curriculum. However, graduates will be more prepared for what employers around the country are looking for. The standards also create clear goals and students will better understand what is expected of them. Each grade level has an outline for what needs to be learned. There are also guides for teachers on how to help students meet those goals.

Some argue this sacrifices flexibility on how teachers run their classrooms. There is room for flexibility in teaching since the standards act more as a guide, not a governing law or curriculum. So preferred teaching styles do not have to be changed to accommodate Common Core.

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