Reflection on Common Core Standards

Hi Everyone,

Even though I understand the positive aspects of states' abilities to set up their own standards for credentialing, certifications and licensing, it always seemed like mobility in the U.S. is made difficult by these varying standards.  You can teach or practice medicine, for example, over the course of decades in one state, but once you move to another, you'll most likely have to pass the new state's exams to work.  The same goes for education; if you excel in school in one state then move to another, you may be lacking competency or credits and be delayed in the new state.  These Common Core Standards provide an excellent way to teach minimum competency across the country and give all students the opportunity for a rich and well-balanced education.  In addition, there's the added benefit that textbooks could be produced for a universal curriculum at every grade level because the same material would be covered in every state.  Cutting down on textbook costs would put money back in the school districts' wallets to pay teachers' salaries and cover other supplies and expenses.  I see these Common Core Standards as being very beneficial, and definitely worth the effort needed to execute on them!

Melissa