Home
The Common Core State Standards (“the Common Core”) are two sets of
K–12 academic standards that outline what students are expected to learn
in mathematics and English language arts each year from kindergarten
through high school.
The Common Core was written by the National Governors Association
(NGA)—an organization of governors, their head staff members, and policy
makers—and the Council of Chief State School Officials (CCSSO).
While not immediately affecting homeschoolers, the CT Department of Education has adopted the Common Core Standards and many towns in the State are implementing the curriculum.
In addition to the poorly designed curriculum (developmentally inappropriate at the younger grades with a one-size-fits-all approach, dumbed down in the upper grades, and full of a clear philosophical bias reflecting statism, moral relativism, and progressivism*), the program provides for tracking of students’ personal lives and opinions, which is chilling.
A WIDE NET
While it is true that Common Core does not currently impact us directly, we believe that the goal is to spread a wide net that will eventually touch homeschoolers’ lives.
SOMEONE WE KNOW
Some of you have family or friends–or your own children–in the public schools.
CURRICULUM WE USE
Curriculum is already being revised to meet Common Core standards. Some curriculum developers also sell to the homeschool community. (See Home School Wise.)
HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE TESTING
Anyone taking the SAT, ACT, or GED in the next few years may have to adapt to Common Core teaching styles in order to score well, as these tests are being redesigned to reflect Common Core Standards.
TRACKING
There is a frightening level of student tracking built into the Common Core program. Given the wide net we believe is being spread, we anticipate that they will eventually attempt to encompass ALL children in tracking.
TEACH-CT encourages you to visit the HSLDA: Common Core Issues website to take a closer look at how the Common Core got started, who’s behind it, and what it will mean to homeschoolers.
*HSLDA: Common Core Issues - FAQs