We've heard so much about Common Core, the federally-controlled educational program that's resulted in many states dropping their own educational standards.

This controversial plan is being criticized for de-emphasizing certain traditional areas of education.  Many critics also claim it doesn't prepare students for certain fields of work or college beyond their 12 grades of schooling.

Common Core has already been to filter into schools in our state, and even around the region.  A new standardized test will be put in place around the Mid-Columbia next spring, called the Smarter Balanced Assessment, or SBAC test.   Many educators are urging parents to have their children opt out of field tests of the new program, saying it's creating too much stress on students.

Critics say Common Core will remove local and parental control over what is taught in schools, it's a "top-down" federally mandated program.  It is also expensive, estimated to cost Washington state some $300 million dollars.    Critics also say it resembles the failed "No Child Left Behind" program.

It is also criticized for being a "all-students-are-the-same" program, as it assumes every child is at the same intellectual and learning level.  It doesn't take into account that every child is different.  Some require more challenging material, others need extra help to get to grade level.  Common Core will remove that ability.

Not only that, but according to Freedomworks.org, this chilling plan comes with the program:

"The Race to the Top Grants associated with Common Core violates privacy by “data mining” information about students that will follow them the rest of their lives. The information collected is more than just test scores and academic progress. Common Core will track information on religious practices, political beliefs, “sex behaviors and attitudes”, and more."  

And most tellingly,  it violates the Constitution of the United States.   The Constitution states that education will be controlled by the states, it is not a federally-mandated program.  Common Core will be dictated by federal officials; parents and teachers won't have the leeway to adjust programs to meet students.  Mom and Dad, you won't have any say in what's being taught to YOUR child.

  Some states that have higher educational standards than Common Core will actually have to move "backwards" to meet the program's guidelines, meaning less challenging education for bright students.

   Click Here to see the website where the SCAB tests are being generated from. Take one, and see what it's about for yourself.

 

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