Just about everywhere, it seems discussions on the Common Core State Standards (particularly their implementation and assessment) are fairly nasty. No, CCSS isn’t going anywhere (despite the wishes of some). But instead of focusing on the implementation and how we do a better job, it seems to be all about fights and absolutes and final lines in the sand.
This week, the folks at BAM Radio Network are launching a new regular program, #CommonCore Radio. The intent is to have a civil discussion about CCSS implementation, while ensuring that both sides of the debate are included and heard.
Dear ol’ Eduflack is hosting the program, along with educator Darren Burris. The first segment is now officially available and can be found on the BAM site. We start the series speaking with Professor Nancy Carlsson-Paige and AFT President Randi Weingarten. The topic? CCSS impact on early childhood education (meaning kindergarten, first and second grades).
Weingarten and Carlsson-Paige recently penned a piece voicing opposition to CCSS assessment in the early grades. As you can imagine, Eduflack had a bit of a different take, believing that if the issue is with the tests, rather than a moratorium, let’s just build better tests. I also voice some concern about reopening CCSS to “adjust” how it addresses the early grades, fearing that doing so just opens the door for others to push for changes and to delay, delay, delay.
Give it a listen. And if you have any thoughts for a future segment, shoot ’em my way.
Happy listening!
Eduflack By Patrick R. Riccards 
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