Book Review: Common Ground on Common Core
Recently I was afforded the opportunity to read the advance copy of Common Ground on Common Core. I was so excited to learn about a book that would present all sides of the story from the many different groups of people opposing the Common Core initiative. I’m pretty open minded when it comes to listening to others’ points of view as long as they are respectful in their words and are respectful of my point of view, especially when it’s opposite of theirs. I dug into this book right away and saw all sides of the Common Core argument discussed thoughtfully by experts, PhDs, activists, a school board member and even a psychologist.
The chapters written by mothers were heartbreaking as they detailed the pain and struggles they went through as their children were impacted with the Common Core in states that were “pilots” and implemented before the rest of us. Stories much like what myself and my neighbors are going through right now.
A psychologist delves into the issues with young patients that she has encountered and counseled through the challenges of this ridiculous new curriculum.
You can scream that “they’re only standards,” as much as you like, but the fact remains that teaching methodology and curriculum will necessarily have to change to teach to those standards.
One activist, who happens to be on the opposite end of the political spectrum from myself, highlights an alarming fact about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization that does nothing but write “model” policies, some of which are turned into real policies and implemented by the folks in congress that have been bought by said organization. She unveils a scary policy bouncing around right now called The Backpack Project. Sounds cute and educational doesn’t it? Think again. If you’re worried about data collected on your kids now, The Backpack Project will scare you to death.
To say she’s on the opposite end of the political spectrum as me is just to point out: As long as we aren’t focusing on stereotypes we can get to the bottom line, which is that this stuff is happening, it’s real and it’s scary. And we all, no matter what “side” we’re on, dislike it.
I am conservative and proudly so because I didn’t just jump on the “conservative” bandwagon. I researched and have come to this distinction on my own. ALEC is often times referred to as an evil republican organization. The information I have gleaned from reading up on them has led me to this conclusion – they own republicans, predominantly, and they are bad news. That’s not what makes them evil. The policies they want to push through that will affect our children’s privacy – that is evil. I don’t care what political persuasion you or your company is, if you seek to do harm to our children in the name of profits, you are evil. If you seek to do harm to our children for whatever reason – you are evil.
In my mind, ALEC can join ranks with the progressive philanthropists and organizations that share the same goal – to harm our children. That’s a big red flag, don’t you think? The organizations, though they claim to have different politics and goals, are working towards the same thing. Shouldn’t that give us a clue?
In a struggle of this kind where we feel that future generations are in very real danger of not getting the kind of education that leads to a free society and are literally scratching and clawing to be heard for the sake of our kids the emotions can tend to run very high.
It’s exhausting when you are fighting for the same thing as the guy next door but the guy next door is so focused on his idea of what needs to happen that he shuts out all conversation contrary to his ideas. Little do you know that perhaps he thinks the same of you and perhaps you are also locked in on what you think needs to happen.
The problem with this is that many of us end up in the quagmire of “what comes after?” question.
When what we need to be focused on is what do we do right now, in this moment, to stop this thing? Once we get it stopped then we can focus on what comes next.
We may never agree politically but we can agree on this one, very important thing: stopping Common Core. And it’s going to take all of us to do it. The government and their big business cronies are loving the divide that is growing between people who oppose their initiative. As long as the masses are fighting the powers that be can continue their sleight of hand and devious practices to get the Common Core into every classroom in the country.
I highly recommend you get Common Ground on Common Core. Even a seasoned CC Warrior learned a few things. Imagine the shock it will give to anyone who simply doesn’t know.
From Resounding Books:
We are currently, and for a limited time only, taking orders for advance print copies of Common Ground on Common Core. Advance copy is identical to the final print version, with one exception: It does NOT contain a forthcoming foreword by Dr. Ron Paul, to be included in the book starting in early November. As such, advance copy is being priced at a slight discount.
Pre-sales are now underway for digital versions of the book, expected in October, and the final print version of the book with the foreword by Dr. Paul, which will be available in early November.
There may be a few more surprise authors that add to this book also that you won’t want to miss!
This nation is at a tipping point. Nothing less than the very future and wellbeing of our children hangs in the balance. What are we going to do? It’s up to us. We need to make the decision to stand up and protect our children.
