Common core testing has been a hot debate in education for a while. The Common Core is a set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA). It outlines what a student should know and be able to achieve at the end of each grade level. Many teachers, parents, and students are against this type of constant testing, because they believe it puts extreme pressure and emotional stress on children. Others believe it takes away creativity and free thinking, and that education has been reduced to teaching for students to pass a test.
Some may say, “Well, the teacher shouldn’t give tests, if she is opposed to them.” However, the situation is complicated. First of all, these are federal guidelines the schools must adhere to. Thus, the teacher has no choice, if she wants to keep her job, than to teach to the test and administer these tests. Likewise, administrators are often required to give these tests as well, so the top administrator has no say. Yet some parents are pushing back. According to educationnews.org, the Ohio Department of Education keeps record of how many parents are opting out of Common Core testing for their children. A superintendent in an Ohio school district reported that 50 parents have opted out, and that number is increasing daily. In Portland, Oregon, there is an ongoing movement to encourage parents to opt out of standardized testing.
If you or your child oppose Common Core testing, it is best to research the facts and see what your child’s school does for students who opt out of testing. Also, if you have the financial means, another option is to look into private school for your child. Either way, it is recommended to know you and your child’s rights when it comes to the Common Core standards. For more information, please visit educationnews.org and corestandards.org.