Have you heard of the Common Core?

The Common Core State Standards program.

If you are a parent, educator, or activist concerned about the federal takeover of your kids’ tests, textbooks, and curriculum, you need to get involved and fully understand the impact CCSS will have on your children. These systems will aggregate massive amounts of personal data — health-care histories, income information, religious affiliations, voting status and even blood types. This data will be available to a wide variety of public agencies and a major concern if it is used for non-educational purposes. This information will be collected soon after birth, all the way through graduation from college.

Additionally, it is believed the CCSS will weaken English learning, reduce analytical thinking and weaken math teaching. The CCSS effectively removes educational choice and competition since all schools and all districts must use Common Core assessments. Also, this is encouraged by the federal governments, “Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge” program. A one-size-fits-all approach to education has proven to be ineffective. For example, the “No Child Left Behind” program has evolved into “no child gets ahead.” Choices for parents and children should be maintained at the state and local level. A free market approach to education for students to achieve individual excellence is best.

This is not a political concern, it is an educational concern. As parents, teachers, and civic minded citizens, please attend the meeting at the Sandpoint Community Center, Friday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m. Please come to listen and partake in the discussion on Common Core being presented by Wayne Hoffman from The Freedom Foundation.

PAT NASH

Sagle