The Biggest Fallacy of the Common Core Standards

Diane Ravitch argues that the Common Core standards are not the most revolutionary advance in the history of American education. Forty-five states have agreed to adopt the Common Core national standards. According to Ravitch, the state of Massachusetts agreed to this “in order to win millions in new federal funds”. Common Core promoters advertise that the adoption of the Common Core standards is absolutely vital for this success of students. They also insist that the Common Core standards “are all that stand between us, and economic and military catastrophe”. Ravitch disagrees with these promoters since there is no evidence of any of these claims. She states, “there is no evidence that those who study these standards will be prepared for careers, because there is nothing in them that bears any relationship to careers”. Diane Ravitch makes clear, “the biggest fallacy of the Common Core standards is that they have been sold to the nation without any evidence that they will accomplish what their boosters claim”.

Prior to reading this article, I was completely for the adoption of the Common Core standards. However, Ravitch made some excellent points that caused me to think about it more. It is true that there is absolutely no evidence of any claims that promoters have. So many are completely ready to jump into the adoption of the Common Core standards without thinking twice about it. Is it really necessary for ALL states to adopt this? I agree with what Ravitch said, “states should do what works best for them”. She also points out, “as more money is allocated to testing and accountability, less money is available for the essential programs and services that all schools should provide”. I agree that our priorities are confused. I do not disagree with the Common Core standards, however, I do agree that they are not for everyone.