What Are State Standards
State standards
are guidelines, set specifically for each grade, for the knowledge and skills
students are expected to obtain. Each state sets its own benchmark for core
curriculum areas like language arts, math, physical education, science, social
studies, and technology. Every state hands their school districts specifics for
what teachers should be teaching to
each grade level, but these standards do not give specifics on how they are to meet the objectives of
the learning standards of their students (Kjesbo, 1).
What do you think about this? In a previous blog, I had stated that these state standards are set forth initially by corporations, entities that are seemingly irrelevant in the mass education of our children. Why is this? Perhaps these corporations, with firm grips on the economic future, would prefer our young students be prepared for the advancing corporate future. On a cynical note, some corporations capitalize on the ignorance of the people: commodity businesses that rely on materialistic personalities to thrive, fast food companies that rely on the nutrition-oblivious, and the television set, which, if you haven’t noticed, has been creating sillier and sillier children shows than ever (Sesame Street was so informative!). Perhaps they’re preparing the wealthy to work and the poverty stricken to follow. There are portions of this country, generally wealthy spots, I must note, that are known for their vigorous educational standards. These same districts are well regarded for fostering successful students that are prepared for the career paths ahead of them. Then, there are school districts known for their poor standards, as well as their poor educational success rates.
Many debate about who’s to blame for this social stratification of America. Is it the school systems? Could this large gap between the rich and the poor root its perpetuation, or initiation, in grade school? It’s very possible. I believe, and in this moment I speak not for the Suffolk Speech establishment (although I feel they would agree), that we as a country should at least try to bridge the gap between social classes by drilling down on the equilibrium of state standards across the country. It’s a difficult debate, though, as these more poverty stricken areas don’t possess the capital for a fair game. Rather, if they are to match standards, they must match resources (quality teachers, quality schools, up-to-date libraries, etc.).
What About the Common Core State Standards Initiative
Right now, every state maintains its own set of academic
standards, with no continuity in between them. However, there is talk about
setting a national standard: expecting all states to have the same academic
goals for students’ learning. The most well known of these initiatives is the Common Core State Standards Initiative
which “is a state-effort to establish a shared set of clear educational
standards for English language arts and mathematics that states can voluntarily
adopt” (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2010). Involved in the effort
for implementing national standards are experts, teachers, school
administrators, and parents across the country (Kjesbo, 1.)
How Can You Find Out More?
Ask your local school for information regarding grade level
expectations for your children. If the answer does not suffice, take a look at
the Department of Education Web site in your state in order to find out what
the academic standards are in your state. http://www.educationworld.com/standards/states
or http://www.academicbenchmarks.org/
will have information as well. For information on Common Core Standards, go to http://www.corestandards.org/. I
implore you to take a look. It’s a very interesting read. This is your child’s
future at steak. These organizations literally mold students’ young minds. We
should have a say. What would you prefer? Is there a way to mix the best of both?
Could “Common Core” work?
Resources
Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2010). Frequently asked questions. http://www.corestandards.org/frequently-asked-questions
Kjesbo, Rynette R., M.S., CCC-SLP. Super Duper® Publications Handy Handouts (2010): State Standards-Specific Learning Guides for Each Grade
No comments:
Post a Comment