“Common Core.” From school board meetings to social media rants and raves, you hear that divisive phrase mentioned everywhere! How could two little words either thrill or terrify so many?!
The concept behind Common Core is to answer the age-old question – How can we make education across the United States excellent for everyone? Because education is a state’s responsibility, each state is enabled to have its own curricula and standards. The result is that the quality of education could vary from state to state. Also, we are a transient society. Imagine moving to a state where, even if the quality is equal to the prior location, the scope and sequence is different enough to make the transition very difficult. So, how can we make education equitable and excellent? The latest answer is to generate a core of standards and objectives that would be common everywhere – thus Common Core was born. The response has been extremely varied. Some parents feel the material is presented in complicated fashion and there is too great an emphasis on testing. Some teachers struggle to embrace Common Core because they feel constricted by a scripted pedagogue.
Parents unhappy with Common Core have worked hard to bring their concerns before their schools and school boards. Some have even organized protest days where students are kept home to show displeasure with the Common Core initiative.
If you are a parent who finds yourself at odds with Common Core, you do have options. You could enroll your child in a private school or even homeschool. Of course private schools and homeschool curricula can also be aligned with Common Core. Be sure to verify that the curriculum meets your expectations.
One useful resource for choosing homeschool curriculum is Global Student Network, where you can view and choose from 6 different curricula. There are Common Core options as well as Non-Common Core programs. Christian, secular, honors, career/technical – any courses you might need for homeschooling grades K to 12 can be found at www.globalstudentnetwork.com. Global Student Network also provides a record-keeping system so you can properly document your child’s homeschool education.
Another option to consider is an online private school. International Virtual Learning Academy is one such “cyber school.” IVLA is fully accredited and staffed by certified teachers. IVLA also touts a couple of very unique features. First, with IVLA you can choose from several different curricula and learning programs. Common Core curriculum is a CHOICE at IVLA. Second, as students enroll they are assigned a mentor teacher who works directly with that student and family and also provides opportunities for interaction with other IVLA students in a virtual classroom.
It’s good to know if Common Core is something you just can’t stomach, there are other palatable choices out there!
Copyright © 2014 J. Hoffman / Global Student Network
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com