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Pondering Common Core

*Image by Amerigus 
Shocking:  America continues to except ‘common’ as the word that describes its educational system. America was founded on exceptional thought and consideration. America is uncommon in it’s choice of government and bill of rights to it’s citizens that in many ways expands around the globe. From the people who spread the ideals of freedom prior to 1776, to those who fought to secure America’s Independence, and those who fought for a more perfect union, the essence of America is far from common. 

Yet, our educational system continues it’s aim to reduce everyone to commonness.  


Furthering my research and delving into the common core web site for more information and understanding, I am appalled to read the following: 


The composite standards [of Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore] have a number

of features that can inform an international benchmarking process for the

development of K–6 mathematics standards in the U.S. First, the composite

standards concentrate the early learning of mathematics on the number,

measurement, and geometry strands with less emphasis on data analysis and

little exposure to algebra. The Hong Kong standards for grades 1–3 devote

approximately half the targeted time to numbers and almost all the time

remaining to geometry and measurement.

— Ginsburg, Leinwand and Decker, 2009**

What is striking?  Why would America who fashions, creates, designs, engineers many of the most technologically advanced items in the world rely on ‘CHINA’ to fashion our educational system? Especially one that focuses on becoming common?


America does need to go back to basics. Certainly standards, learnings, understandings, and disciplines are needed to provide a minimal level of education. Though, we as Americans should not stop at this point.  From here, let us focus on what will make and provide opportunities for students (people) to be exceptional not common.  


At one time in our not so distant history, we valued being American. We celebrated our American heritage dating back to the first colonists.  We celebrate what they stand for, what they accomplished. We view the American Constitution as exceptional and forward thinking. Certainly, if we look close enough at our American heroes, we may find some dirt.  Yet, many rose above these failings and even humble beginnings to be exceptional people of history. Yes, we need to go back to basics and recognize, it is good to be American and Americans can be and are exceptional. Let us stop allowing communist countries and their socialistic idealism thwart our exceptional heritage and amazing advancements by adapting their communistic ways and teachings. 


Certainly we can learn from others and other countries whether free, communist or otherwise.  True wisdom is wisdom, no matter its source; yet, America must keep her heritage and identity as the free and exceptional people of America. 


I support educational reform. Bill Gates nor China have any right in American education system. 



*Image by Amerigus - originally posted: https://www.opednews.com/populum/page.php?f=CONFLICTED-A-Look-at-MSNB-by-Gustav-Wynn-Accountability_Al-Sharpton_Alec_Charter-Schools-140505-22.html

**Quote is posted on page 3 of the Official Common Core Standards ~ Mathematics documentation (http://www.corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/Math_Standards1.pdf).  

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