Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

As a general rule of thumb in my life, I really try to avoid begging.  I am not going to try to avoid it today.  Please, please, please learn about Common Core State Standards that your state has adopted from the United States Department of Education for the free public education for your children.  If you don't know where to start, look up the website utahnsagainstcommoncore.com.  Even if you don't live in Utah, that website will point you in the direction of your own state and how your state had adopted Common Core as well.

Check out what Glenn Beck said today on his radio program about who is supporting Common Core.   

http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/04/11/youll-never-guess-who-is-supporting-common-core/

Here is a comment a teacher made from the Jordan School District in Utah.

“I recently attended a common core day of cheer leading for the sixth grade teachers in my district.  Money was used to pay for subs so that we could all hear for a day why the common core was so wonderful.  We were told that students would no longer be graded on completion of assignments or an average of assignment and test scores over a grading period.  Instead grading will be based on mastery of a subject.  How do we determine mastery?  The district has provided bench mark tests in language arts.  We were told that these are not mandatory BUT that if we did not use them they would become mandatory.  I find it scary that students will now be graded only on tests written by the core.  The final assessment was a research paper on modern revolutions.  Interesting how now in the sixth grade learning can be skewed to a political point of view that may or may not be historically accurate.  I find the curriculum scary and the measurement of learning terrifying. I know though that any questions I asked contrary to the core were met with anger and frustration. It was NOT allowed and dismissed to ask a question that was not common core friendly. I along with other teachers are afraid to speak out publicly against the core for fear of losing our jobs. I work in the Jordan school district.”

**Edited to add some meetings held in some Utah school districts where Common Core will be talked about with county representatives.  My counties was held a couple of night ago, but I didn't hear about it until today, so I missed it.  If you can attend, this might be a great way to see what your area parents, teachers, and representatives think of Common Core.  

**IF YOUR DISTRICT IS NOT LISTED, CALL THE UTAH STATE OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND ASK FOR A MEETING ABOUT THE COMMON CORE TESTS.  Or Call your state's office of education.

Alpine District4–6 pm District Office575 N 100 E, American Fork Tuesday April 16

Weber District4–6 pm District Office / Board Room5320 Adams Ave. Parkway, Ogden Tuesday April 16

Logan District4–6 pm District Office/ Board Room101 West Center, Logan Wednesday April 17

Juab District4–6 pm Juab High School / Little Theater802 N 650 E, Nephi Thursday April 18

Nebo District4–6 pm District Office/ Board Room350 S Main, Spanish Fork Tuesday April 23

Davis 4–6 pm District Office / Kendell Bldg (2nd Floor)70 E 100 N, Farmington Thursday April 25

Uintah District 4–6 pm Maeser Training Center1149 N 2500 W, Vernal