Much has been written about the English assignment at Albany High School where students were tasked with writing from the perspective of a Nazi.
In each telling of this situation, the Common Core standards have been linked as a viable excuse for bad judgment. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it is important, as students, parents and educators, to understand what Common Core is all about.
Common Core is not a trendy new educational plan that will become less fashionable over time. Common Core is a set of educational standards to help teachers ensure students have the skills and knowledge to be successful in college and in careers. It is based on extensive research, aligned with college and work expectations and takes into account our global competition. It provides standards from kindergarten through 12th grade for English language arts and math. It is voluntarily adopted by each state; 48 have done so, including New York.
With regard to English language arts, there is a shift toward building knowledge through nonfiction and informational texts. Much of the reading in college and the workplace is this type, which is more difficult for students to comprehend. The standards require an understanding of nonfiction as well as using text as evidence to support ideas.
Perhaps this last point is where the Albany High teacher went wrong. Using historical reading to support written ideas is appropriate; selecting one of the most horrific events where senseless killing is glorified is not.
Many helpful resources are available, simply Google Common Core state standards. It is important; it will improve education over time; and, like anything new, it is subject to misinformation.
Cheryl Ainspan
Slingerlands