Local Group Rallies Against Common Core

A group of parents are gathering steam for a push against the new Common Core curriculum introduced to Anne Arundel County schools this year.

The Maryland State Board of Education adopted Common Core Standards in Math and Reading/English/Language Arts as part of its Race to the Top application in 2012, but the implementation of the standards did not begin until this school year.

Now, a parent group is expressing concerns on how these new standards are affecting students at Anne Arundel schools.

“As parents, we are troubled about how these standards are affecting our children,” said Kelly Thompson, parent of an elementary and middle school student. “Many of us are experiencing firsthand behavioral, emotional, and performance issues in our children. The effects of the new standards are manifesting themselves in the form of lower test scores, student stress, negative self image, and lack of confidence.”

A representative of the group recently outlined their goals in a post on the Broadneck Patch.

The group has monthly meetings to discuss issues, educate new members who want to learn more, and explore and implement action plans.

“We started this group because our children enjoy learning, but they have become increasingly nervous, agitated, and stressed to the point of not wanting to go to school in the morning. We believe something needs to be done,” said Thompson.