Michael Petrilli's 'For The Motion'

In the opening arguments of the “For the Motion” side, Michael Petrilli explains what the term “embrace” means in the context of the debate, issues that need to be reformed within the American education system, and the “mediocrity” of American schools. His partner, Carmel Martin, begins with the story of a young woman from Philadelphia whose high school education had little correlation with her college courses. Throughout this story, Martin makes the points of Common Core lacking important skills in the curriculum, her belief that Common Core is a “building block”, competition with other countries’ education systems, and teachers’ implementation of Common Core. Carmel finishes their opening arguments by making a call for better tests.
In the opening arguments of the “Against the Motion” side, Carol Burris introduces her points that include the necessity of standards, flaws in the Common Core, the complexity of Common Core, the effects of Common Core on different groups of people, and the negative impact of standardized tests. Then her partner, Frederick Hess, begins by using Carmel’s story as an example to strengthen his argument. He continues to make his points - states unwillingness to conform to Common Core standards, …show more content…
The “For the Motion” side states that new Common Core assessments create “problem solvers and good communicators”, as they no longer consist of rote memorization questions. Martins says tests are a necessary evil but, Common Core developers are working on eliminating unnecessary tests. The “Against the Motion” side states the test are based off skills needed for college and careers which are not appropriate for younger age groups. One audience member asked how Common Core tests affected the “morale” of students and teachers. Burris says that increased Common Core testing has lead to many student breakdowns. The “For the Motion” side says student stress is due to school