Law Conference - The Common Core Standards

AZ is one of 45 states that have adopted the Common Core Standards.  These standards have been agreed upon by all 45 states, but the curriculum and assessments aligned to the standards are up to the states to develop.  State-led and developed common core standards for K-12 in English and Math are already finished, with Science next.

Rebecca Gau, Director of Education Innovation, from the Governor’s Office presented arguments in favor of the Common Core while Dr. Mathis presented opposition.

When students leave AZ schools and enter a school in another state, their content knowledge is a year behind.   The standards created by AZ were not rigorous enough to employee students out of HS.  AZ, under the direction of Rebecca Gau, is implementing the Race to the Top Proposal that was not funded by the Federal Government.  Standards and Assessment is deeply related to the Standards and Assessment part of the Governor's Reform Plan, along with Data Use, Great Teachers Great Leaders, and Supporting Struggling Schools. 

ArizonaReady.org was developed to spread the word about the progress AZ is making in getting students ready for college and work.

Common Core is about the depth of content; however Dr. Mathis questions the role of the Federal Government in education.  The constitution makes no mention of education; therefore some contend education should remain a state responsibility. The speed at which the standards were developed and the pressure applied to the states, to adopt them in 2 months, concerns Dr. Mathis. 

The biggest concern from an audience member who questioned the review process for the standards was that there was no discussion of what works best in Finland.