Common Core Doesn’t Kill Creativity

Lisette Partelow writes that there are many amazing Common Core-aligned lessons that can be used to teach the standards in fun, engaging ways.

Common Core doomsayers often claim that rich, engaging, curiosity-inspiring lessons are a thing of the past. But, as a former teacher, I’m tired of Common Core critics claiming that the standards somehowinhibit teacher creativity. It’s simply not true.

Unfortunately, these detractors are winning the public relations battle that they themselves manufactured, at least among Common Core skeptics. A 2014 PDK Gallup Poll found that many of those who oppose the Common Core cite limitations on teachers’ flexibility to provide instruction as they see fit as their rationale. However, recent polling suggests that the vast majority of voters still support the overall intentions of Common Core, namely raising academic standards to maintain the U.S.’s economic competitiveness.

The above excerpt was originally published in U.S. News & World Report. Click here to view the full article.

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