Common Core: a great idea we're not yet prepared for

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Let’s turn the clock back. Bring all stakeholders to the table. Agree what should be included in the revised course of study in all subjects at all levels. Give teachers time to write curricula and lesson plans to reflect the new goals. Budget money for the books and materials needed. Provide training so that all educators are on the same page. Prepare students so they know what to expect. Then, and only then, design assessments that are reliable and valid. Use the data from those agreed-on tests to shore up weaknesses in teaching and learning.

To repeat: Common Core? Best of intentions! But testing now? Too much, too soon. A carefully thought-out, methodical, step-by-step master plan must come first.

Alfonse D’Amato is off this week. Dr. Steven Kussin writes the weekly “Principal’s Office” column for the Heralds, and his “CBS on Education” reports air weekdays on WCBS 880. He is also an adjunct professor at Hofstra and an educational consultant for school districts around the country. Contact him at sk3015@aol.com. © 2013 Dr. Steven S. Kussin.

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