We’ve all heard the discussions going on about “common education standards”, on the news, in the paper, at PTO meetings and from our President, but what does it mean?
In order for states to ensure that all their school districts are performing at the same levels within the state, and to be sure that each state’s standards is the same as every other, there have to be common education standards set and followed. The benefit of this practice? Common education standards will help assure that every child in every school in the United States is receiving the opportunity for a quality education, tools and effects despite geographic, economic or ethnic background. The goal of such standards is to be certain that all children are prepared to graduate from high school ready to attend college or begin their career.
Statistics show that children from economically depressed backgrounds face significantly lower education standards than those from wealthier areas, giving these kids a significantly decreased chance at success in their futures, right from the start. Sociologists argue via the Social Conflict Theory that most people maintain a lifestyle similar in economics and behavior as their parents or caregivers. If this is true, then by removing the chance of a good education for those children born into poverty-ridden neighborhoods, we have effectively guaranteed that they will continue that pattern. This simply cannot be.
On their website, Achieve.org states that they were ”Created in 1996 by the nation’s governors and corporate leaders, Achieve is an independent, bipartisan, non-profit education reform organization based in Washington, D.C. that helps states raise academic standards and graduation requirements, improve assessments and strengthen accountability. In 2006, Achieve was named by Education Week as one of the most influential education groups in the nation. Achieve is leading the effort to make college and career readiness a national priority so that the transition from high school graduation to postsecondary education and careers is seamless.”
Currently, the primary focus of Achieve is on common education standards. In a recent press release, they noted the release of a draft of K-12common education standards in English and mathematics.
Said Achieve president Mike Cohen regarding “education standards in English and mathematics: "The draft standards released today by NGA and CCSSO are very strong, building on the best state and international standards. They are rigorous and provide classroom teachers with a clear and focused picture of what students must learn in math and English Language Arts to be well prepared for postsecondary education and 21st century jobs."
"Today's release is an important step toward a consistent set of expectations for our students, regardless of where they live. This draft deserves the serious attention of educators, parents and policymakers. I am pleased that Achieve's experts have played a role in their development."
We as parents have to demand that these common education standards not only be implemented, but monitored and updated as necessary to ensure our kids the fighting chance to compete not only with their neighbors, but in a global economy.
Join the Providence Effect Movement to Save American Education and speak out in support of common education standards to stop the cycle of poverty and crime that plagues so many of our children, downing their hopes, killing their dreams and muting their true potential and that of our great natio
Posted By: Paul Adams
Friday, March 12th 2010 at 1:57PM
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