So what are the criticisms of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)? A lot of heat is being generated in conservative circles (circles in which I generally am at home). There seem to be three main issues.
- The CCSS nationalizes school curriculum, which should remain under local/state control. There is the well-founded belief that the federal government is rapidly seeking to control all areas of our lives (Obamacare, etc.), and that the CCSS is just another instance of this encroachment. Control of schools has historically been a local function (local school boards, etc.), but with increasing state oversight. Along these lines, the Obama administration has tied implementation of CCSS to the "Race To The Top" funding - just another evidence of the desire to nationalize our education system.
- The CCSS "dumbs down" educational standards. While those who designed the CCSS said they were seeking to raise standards for all students, the standards actually are less rigorous than those already in effect for some states, and are not as rigorous as expectations in other countries.
- The CCSS cuts back on the study of classic literature in favor of reading government documents. Critics say that the CCSS requires that 70% of student reading should be in non-fiction materials. This would necessitate dropping much classic literature, such as To Kill a Mockingbird.
- A post from Georgia State Senator William Ligon
- "Truth in American Education" is one of the main websites devoted to criticizing the CCSS.