Definition Essay
Common Core State Standards
In an effort to remain a dominant world power within the social and economic world, American President Barack Obama and the U.S. Department of Education enacted the educational policy-the Common Core State Standards- in 2009. The CCSS are “…a set of clear college-and career-ready standards for kindergarten through the 12th grade in English language arts/literacy and mathematics.”(Preparing America’s students for success) The CCSS bill is based on successfully achieving learning objectives by the end of each grade level to ensure student’s are prepared for either the workforce or higher education. The CCSS is the most effective educational initiative to this date; the CCSS is revolutionizing the American Education System by eliminating social and racial inequality, increasing teacher accountability, and increasing academic proficiency nationwide.
The primary goal of the CCSS is to eradicate social and racial inequality by using a homogenous testing model known as high-stakes testing. High-stakes tests are standardized tests distributed to students to verify that students are “..enrolled in effective schools and being taught by effective teachers.” (Hidden Curriculum) Previously under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, states had the ability to create their own educational standards; as a result, educational goals differed from state to state depending upon that particular states grade-level requirements. Consequently, a student could be proficient in one state and be failing in another, which became a national epidemic for students who moved during adolescents. The U.S. government implemented the CCSS to take away a states ability to create their own standards to ensure academic consistency throughout the nation.
The ultimate goal of the federally funded state-wide standardized testing is to increase the accountability and responsibility of those employed within the teaching profession. The CCSS mandates that schools must report their testing results within the school’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP); the school must demonstrate an increase in its proficiency each school year in the subjects of writing, reading, math and science. However, if the school consecutively fails to increase their students test scores, initiatives will be taken to correct the problem or the state government will obtain control of the school.(Background and Analysis) The United States federal government is effectively increasing the success rate of students through proactive interference within failing school systems.
In view of the fact that AYP does not account for students personal struggles such as death in the family, divorce of parents, relocation, or financial hardship, some antagonists of the bill believe increased accountability can be detrimental to a responsible teacher’s reputation. However, after conducting more research, an individual will learn that it is not until the third year of failing does the school board recognize that a teacher lacks adequate teachings skills.(Background & Analysis) Furthermore, the CCSS continues to benefit the children of the public schooling system by acknowledging low performing teachers and replacing them with highly qualified education professionals.
United States government officials created the CCSS in part to the increasing percentage of high school graduates enrolling in remedial classes at either a two-year or four year institution. Studies determined that a large portion of students furthering their education are not proficient enough in the subjects of english or mathematics upon graduation; as a result, students were incapable of the course work of entry-level college credit courses and opted to enroll in remedial classes to strengthen their academic capabilities. College remedial classes are considered a review of course material to increase the likelihood of success when a student enrolls in degree required college courses. Additionally, remedial level classes cost the same amount of money as regular college courses however, a student will not receive credit towards their degree for the course work. Proficiency testing under the CCSS contributes to eliminating student enrollment in remedial classes by guaranteeing student readiness in entry-level college courses upon graduation. Conclusively, the establishment of the CCSS is effectively improving the nation’s academic competence and eliminating socio-economic discrimination through concordant state testing.
Work Cited:
- Preparing America's students for success. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11, 2014, from http://www.corestandards.org/
- Background & Analysis. (2014, April 24). Retrieved December 12, 2014, from http://febp.newamerica.net/background-analysis/no-child-left-behind-overview
- Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/hidden-curriculum
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