Monday, December 8, 2014

Pros and cons of Common Core

Growing up, math was fun because we got to use manipulatives and work in groups and it was enjoyable to learn because it was enjoyable  to teach. But common core has completely changed all of that. Although there are positive things about common core, there are also negative aspects, which tend to outweigh the good things about it. Common Core was created because researchers realize that students' math skills will only improve by teaching them to focus harder. The new standards introduced to math are causing both the teachers and students to struggle and it is such a difficult adjustment. This way of teaching is not like what any teacher is used to, and learning to teach it to their students will of course be a very long process. Unfortunately, because of the intense changes in the teaching field, some teachers will seek other options in their career because the stress to learn and then teach new material is just too high. The new standards for common core will make younger students have to learn more material at a quicker pace, giving them more of a chance to fall behind in learning, and potentially have to stay back a grade. Common core teaches new lessons which means new textbooks will be needed to help cover the new material, and technology will also need to be updated, which is overall, very pricy for the school district to handle. But aside from all the negative things about common core, there are also some good things about it. Students at a young age are starting to get prepared for college level success. The intense amount of work and preparation that they are put through will teach them the work ethic that is necessary for them to get through high school and more importantly, college. Common core is creating higher thinking levels for all students, even those who are younger and wouldn't necessarily be learning all of this yet. Teachers are also developing more often and becoming more professional in a way that will show their bosses they may be ready for bigger and better things.

1 comment:

  1. If you research what they are covering in the common core, it isn't necessarily more work, it is just different. If they started teaching Kindergarten with the common core and let it follow every new class thereafter, it would have been better. The students who have already been through a few years of schooling didn't learn to do things that way and it will be more difficult.

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