What Are the Disadvantages of Common Core?
The disadvantages of the Common Core teaching standards include their vague nature and the acceleration of learning for children in the younger grades, according to the Washington Post. As of 2015, Common Core standards do not come with equivalency measures for special-needs students, and they require technology upgrades that are prohibitive for some districts.
Another disadvantage of Common Core is its emphasis on the results of standardized tests. This sort of test is already controversial in many areas, but states that participate in Common Core push the stakes even higher as they permit comparison of results from one state to another. Finally, the new standards make existing textbooks obsolete, adding yet another expense to the many burdens pulling on school budgets.
Teaching according to Common Core methodology also requires major changes in the ways that many teachers manage their classrooms. Many people who have been in the profession for many years and bring a significant amount of value to their schools are likely to pursue different careers rather than make such a fundamental change to their teaching style.
As of 2015, the Common Core standards still await more clarification from their writers. If the curriculum remains in place and school systems can make the adjustment, the benefits include more uniform reporting and effective year-long monitoring of student progress.
