Common Core Assessments: Good or Bad?

New Terminology or Just the Same Old Thing?
We've just gotten really good at figuring out how to get our students to pass the H.S.A and now PARCC, a new test, is coming. It might be used by politicians to determine my "effectiveness" as a teacher. Does it matter that 100% of my students are learning English as a Second Language? I'm a little concerned about what it will mean for my students. I've heard there's a one-size-fits-all curriculum -- which will mean a lot more work for ESOL teachers and students. However, I applaud some of the Common Core State Standards, especially if it means we're moving away from ugly multiple choice tests that deaden creative thinking. 

http://www.msde.state.md.us/mdclassroom/Vol18_No4_052013.pdf