Throughout the nation, Common Core is being hotly debated, and it is controversial throughout New Hampshire as well. It's also the subject of much conversation here in Bedford too.
Simply stated, Common Core educational standards call for every state in the country to educate their children similarly, and critics who oppose this top down approach to education rightfully claim that it consequently diminishes state and local control of education. Additionally, many educational experts refer to it as the "dumbing down" of education. Although states (including New Hampshire) seem unable to calculate its full financial costs, and although it will amass a humongous volume of personal information about your kids that will be available to private businesses and the like in ways far beyond what is reasonable, Common Core implementation is forging ahead in multiple states, while in others, battle lines are being clearly drawn, state legislators have become involved, and in some cases, there has been indefinite implementation postponement. Here in Bedford, implementation has already begun.
Next week, "Tell It Like It Is" shows are again being taped on Common Core. One show will feature two nationally-recognized educators who vehemently oppose Common Core on many levels. The other show will feature Bedford School Superintendent Tim Mayes and Assistant Superintendent Chip McGee who will discuss how Bedford is addressing the many concerns about Common Core.
In anticipation of these shows, I strongly suggest that you view two previous "Tell It Like It Is" shows that were done on Common Core if you haven't already seen them. If you did see them, I suggest that you watch them again to refresh your memory on the aspects of Common Core that are of concern to parents, teachers, and taxpayers in all 50 states. Both shows are being re-aired beginning today on BCTV, and will run through to Thursday evening, September 19.
The first show is titled "Common Core: Coming Soon to Bedford Schools", and features Bedford resident Ann Marie Banfield of Cornerstone Research. It will run on the following schedule:
Friday/Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday -9:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Saturday/Monday/Wednesday - 1:00 PM, 9:30 PM
The second show is titled "Common Core - Progress or Debacle???", and nationally-known Atty. Emmett McGroarty is the guest. It will run on the following schedule:
Friday/Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday - 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Saturday/Monday/Wednesday - 2:00 PM, 10:30 PM
If those times are not convenient to you, or if you do not have cable television, the shows can be watched at anytime on the show's website at www.tellitlikeitisnh.com . On the top toolbar, simply click on Issues, and then look for the category Common Core.
Common Core will affect all of us, no matter whether or not we have school-aged children. At the least, it will affect our taxes regardless of whether we approve of it or not. However, millions of people have also decided that it will also affect a whole lot of other things, including privacy from government intrusion and parental choices over their children's education.
You need to know about Common Core.
