Should Schools Have a Common Core?
Schools being required to teach according to a common core is a highly debated subject. Although it is commonly regarded as a recent issue, it’s roots run deep in educational history. Both sides, those in favor of a common core, and those who do not support it, have valid points. As an educator that has been on “the business” for 15 years, my own experiences with a wide variety of educators and administrators can relate to arguments held by each side of the issue. There is not a clear cut method to make a decision one way, over another in this debate.
Mortimer J. Adler makes the following points in support of standardized curriculum:
•Society is obligated to provide the same academic opportunity to each individual. It is though, up to each individual to make the most of the …show more content…
While one author believes we should provide equal (and same) opportunities to each student that navigates through our school systems, this would allow for all students to start at common ground and leave few, if any behind. The author that does not support standardized curriculum wants to provide the opportunity for each student to choose their own path and own learning, which could lead to a variety of interest groups and several types of subject “experts”.
The quality of instruction is another point that both authors question and critique, but in different ways. Adler points out, that with no set standards and common curriculum, some instructors are left teaching students adequately prepared to deliver high quality instructions, which would be ineffective for student achievement. Holt argues that with standardardized curriculum, instructors leave the students powerless and unable to choose ideas that interest them. He believes that this controls our students, thus corrupting their learning
Schools being required to teach according to a common core is a highly debated subject. Although it is commonly regarded as a recent issue, it’s roots run deep in educational history. Both sides, those in favor of a common core, and those who do not support it, have valid points. As an educator that has been on “the business” for 15 years, my own experiences with a wide variety of educators and administrators can relate to arguments held by each side of the issue. There is not a clear cut method to make a decision one way, over another in this debate.
Mortimer J. Adler makes the following points in support of standardized curriculum:
•Society is obligated to provide the same academic opportunity to each individual. It is though, up to each individual to make the most of the …show more content…
While one author believes we should provide equal (and same) opportunities to each student that navigates through our school systems, this would allow for all students to start at common ground and leave few, if any behind. The author that does not support standardized curriculum wants to provide the opportunity for each student to choose their own path and own learning, which could lead to a variety of interest groups and several types of subject “experts”.
The quality of instruction is another point that both authors question and critique, but in different ways. Adler points out, that with no set standards and common curriculum, some instructors are left teaching students adequately prepared to deliver high quality instructions, which would be ineffective for student achievement. Holt argues that with standardardized curriculum, instructors leave the students powerless and unable to choose ideas that interest them. He believes that this controls our students, thus corrupting their learning