In virtually every state nationwide, Common Core educational reform is now the subject of strong debate, with some states now indefinitely postponing its implementation, and five other states, from the outset, refusing to participate in it at all. Just days ago, the Governor of Maine issued an Executive Order against its implementation in that state. New Hampshire is one of the states that has signed on to Common Core, and criticism here is mounting at a rapid pace.
Common Core critics say that it will "dumb down" America's children, will interfere with local control of education, will cost taxpayers an exorbitant amount of money, is not proven to be beneficial, and will collect a massive amount of personal information on students and their families that will not be protected under existing privacy laws, and in fact will be able to be accessed by private corporations. Common Core supporters assert that its standards will enhance the education of every child, and that it is long overdue in schools.
Two new "Tell It Like It Is" shows were taped last week on Common Core that provide people with the information that they need to know on Common Core.
The first, "Will Common Core Dumb Down Our Kids?", features nationally renowned educational experts Dr. Sandra Stotsky and Jamie Gass, who discuss the many problems with and objections to Common Core.
The second, "Bedford School Chiefs Discuss Common Core", features Bedford School Superintendent Tim Mayes and Assistant School Superintendent Chip McGee, who discuss its implementation in Bedford Schools. What becomes very obvious in that show is how many aspects of Common Core remain unknown.
Both shows can be viewed at anytime by going to the show website at www.tellitlikeitisnh.com . On the top toolbar, simply click on Issues, and then click on Most Recent Shows. Both shows will be permanently archived on the website under the Issues category.
Both shows also begin airing today and twice daily until Thursday evening October 3 on BCTV Channel 16 on the following broadcast schedules:
"Will Common Core Dumb Down Our Kids?"
Friday/Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday - 11:00 AM, 9:30 PM
Saturday/Monday/Wednesday - 2:00 PM, 10:00 PM
"Bedford School Chiefs Talk About Common Core"
Friday/Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday - 10:00 AM, 8:00 PM
Saturday/Monday/Wednesday - 1:00 PM, 11:00 PM
Make no mistake about it - - - Common Core is a big subject, and you need to know about it. If you're a parent of a school-aged child, you absolutely should be aware of its many facets. The rest of us need to know about its potential tax impacts, as well as decide how much interference we're willing to accept by the federal government into our local decision-making.
