Categories
Commnetary Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards Events Legislative Updates

Yes, MDE there is federal oversight of SBAC

Yesterday at the presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House Joseph Martineau, deputy superintendent of accountability services for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)  erred when he claimed that there was no federal review team overseeing SMARTER tests.   According to a report by Gongwer, Martineau indicated that, …there is not, as Mr. McMillin […]

Categories
Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards Common Core Problems

Feds a “partner” in SBAC tests

Yesterday, I spoke with a Senate aide regarding Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC) to go with the Common Core standards.   He challenged my assertion that the federal government is developing the tests with SBAC and not just funding them.   I referred him to the technical review announced by the Federal Department of Education last March.  From […]

Categories
Common Core Math Standards Common Core Problems Events Legislative Updates

Joint Hearing on Common Core Scheduled

As you may know a Common Core resolution passed the House last Thursday.  Their affirmative action moves us another step closer to refunding the Common Core in Michigan.  You can see who voted how here.  Yes, only 21 Republicans voted against Common Core.  They believe the big business Roundtable and their education establishment rather than […]

Categories
Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards Common Core Problems

Spellbinding Words of Wisdom about Common Core

Last week, the Michigan House voted FOR a resolution that continues the funding for Common Core.  It now goes to the Senate which could vote on the resolution this week.   Before the Senate vote, I encourage lawmakers to watch this video from Bonnie Fisher who testified against Common Core in Indiana.   Fisher has decades of […]

Categories
Commnetary Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards Common Core Problems Legislative Updates

High Expectations for All Students

Melanie Kurdy raises an excellent point about the last hearing… I would like to review a point that was discussed briefly at the July 31 hearing that I believe is very important, “expectations for students”. I believe the debate we are having should be about improving student learning for all children in Michigan.  This is why we are discussing […]

Categories
Commnetary Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards

Jindal’s Naive on Common Core

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal gave a speech at a Redstate gathering on Friday where he addressed the Common Core.   He said, “We will resist any attempt … to impose a national curriculum,” But as the news story points out that “the Jindal administration has been supportive of the standards, with state Education Superintendent John White […]

Categories
Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards Common Core Problems

Gates Sets His Sights Higher than K-12

Diane Ravitch explains how Bill Gates is moving past K-12 and taking his money to reform higher education.  With $36 billion, the Gates Foundation has too much money, too much power, and not enough common sense nor willingness to listen to those who warn that they are doing harm to basic social institutions. Now the […]

Categories
Common Core ELA Standards Common Core Math Standards Common Core Problems Student Data & Privacy

Common Core Video Primer

Do you want to learn more about the Common Core State Standards? Jane Robbins of American Principles Project offers a helpful five-part video primer.