Teaching to the test, that is what our students are learning. There is little creativity, little interest being taught because it has become all about learning 'data '. BORING

Back in my day, long long ago we were not taught to the test. We were engaged, we were involved, there was discussion, interesting learning.

I applaud Ms. Rodriguez for opting out, she is doing what is best for her children. The beaurocrats obviously know nothing of the Rodriguez children's individual needs.

I am predicting doom and gloom for the Common Core curriculum for the majority of students in Middle and High School grades, as well as those elementary grade students who do not have the educational foundation of Common Core. Common Core should be 'tested' for a 12 year period, offered as an option beginning in kindergarten.

States, school districts jumping on the band wagon of Common Core - why of course - it is all about the millions of greenbacks - money, money money. The question is how many of those greenbacks will the students and teachers realize?

They were teaching to testing years ago when mine was is elementary 15 whatever years ago. I think it was the new thing to do back then. No wonder our kids can't read and write or do simple math. I think it was eastlaker who mentioned a sorry lack of critical thinkers. Everybody's stressed over it; kids, teachers, parents. Defeats the whole reason to go to school. Must be why home school has become so appealing.

Good grief, it's early but I just went all repetitive and wordy like John McCann's campaign add. I'd say home school is preferable for a lot of reason(s).

Phatak mentioned during the interview that scripting or teaching narrowly prescribed curriculum is happening in New York where common core was rolled out earlier. I did some searching around on the internet, the Huffington Post blog below has some sample scripting:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-tampio/why-are-parents-revolting_b_4590041.html

Ad is correct. Using fear of failure everyday is not. Getting coffee now.

Ms. Luzzaro - I read the link - it appears 'old school' is not such a bad thing.

Part 1 Bear with me, this may take awhile.

Let me try and remember...a few years ago, SDSU had complained that there were too many students from Sweetwater who had been accepted under the Compact For Success, but had problems with achieving the minimum test scores in math and English/reading comprehension that the state has/had set.

So---there was a shift in English classes toward the encouraging of critical thinking skills. I would imagine, with the hope that those who were paying attention in class would benefit. End result, with any luck, was to be that even if the students might not be familiar with all the material they were being tested on, those critical thinking skills would help them deduce correct answers, both for test-taking and in real life situations.

(I don't really know how the math departments addressed this situation, because I can't recall hearing any problems with any adjustments that may or may not have taken place).

Supposedly this meant that there would be less classroom time devoted to the study of literature, and less reading of novels and other fiction than before--as essays, articles and other topical themes were explored.

Now--I love to read, always have. Started out favoring fiction, but recently have moved to more non-fiction. I love that there are worlds out there available in books, for anyone who wants to jump in.

I love the exploration that is available in all the world's knowledge...beyond the imaginations of most people, except those who will be expanding the world's knowledge with new fiction, non-fiction, scientific discoveries, breakthroughs in all fields...you get the picture.

What is not so great, is when rote learning is the only learning style available to students. There is wide agreement on that--people learn in different ways, and teachers need to be aware of all those ways. Most teachers are aware, and incorporate multiple ways to get the information across to students. Rote learning is good for early math skills and early reading skills, and for acquisition of a new language, for example.

So where are the problems with Common Core? There are many--oddly, this program seems to discourage rote learning for early math skills, in favor of inelegant, wordy and overly complicated formats and explanations. Why? Is the attempt being made to confuse the students?

Then, moving on...to the tests. If you want to teach to the test, you need to know the answers. But--these are new tests, and most of the time, teachers don't even have the materials to work from. Local elementary teachers I have spoken with say they have been putting their own materials together in the hope that it is going to work out for the students.

So, the testing is being done initially on materials the students have not been given. Gee, how fair is that?

Especially when not only the students will be evaluated, but the teachers will be evaluated.

Part 2 Conspiracy theorists get made fun of much of the time, and sometimes justifiably so, but let's just think about this.

Why make the students and the teachers look bad? Why make the students and the teachers look bad while charging school districts enormous amounts of money for the test materials, the equipment...why make everything topsy-turvy in the field of education, when students need stability in learning situations?

Because there is money in it. Bill Gates can look like Mr. Benevolent, with his great concern with education, but let's take a look at his economic incentive to control all the educational materials in all the schools, including any and all printed materials, any and all software, any and all equipment...

And the we get to the subject of data mining. That has to do with tracking how all the students do, and then can be used to determine the effectiveness of teachers. Without taking into account, of course, personal situations, illness, family problems, whether the child has had enough to eat to be able to think clearly enough to perform well on a test...and they are planning to begin this testing very early. I have actually heard kindergartners could be tested...when they are still learning the alphabet, learning to count...does this make sense?

Then, if all the data collected is used to determine who is a good teacher and who is a bad teacher, yet does not sufficiently recognize categories of learners (English language learners, those with cognitive and/or developmental difficulties, those with anxieties over testing)--how accurate can any of the assessments possibly be?

Meanwhile, somewhere there will be enormous files of data on every student. Which can be SOLD to companies, which then have the ability to target children with who knows what kind of advertising and product placement. Not to mention, there could be an attempt to help a child find a 'pathway'--but again, what of the motives?

Part 3 For profit "universities" that encourage massive loans at high interest rates and deliver ZERO educational benefit? Sweetwater under Ed Brand has already tried that. I am sure he would be the first to agree that there are some sweet deals out there for the enterprising school administrator with no ethics whatsoever--sell that data?--YOU BET!!!

Well, that is the short version, barely touching on some of the problems with Common Core, as it has been set up.

And, I say this as someone who cares deeply about education--I had high hopes, because I had thought Common Core would be used to bring up the educational levels of some of the states that traditionally rank very low, such as Mississippi...but that apparently is not what this is all about.

If anyone can prove to me otherwise, I would love to hear it.

(Again, France has had one educational standard, with testing given across the country at the same time for the same classes, so I feel there could be a benefit for some standardization of teaching materials. But in France, these are the students selected for advancement to their university system, not all students.)

I feel the greatest drawback to the Common Core is the way it can be used against the students and the teachers, to the economic advancement of corporations. It is an attempt to hijack the public educational system. This should not be allowed to take place.

eastlaker - you are a prophet for non-profit public education. Hope we don't lose another generation to low high school graduation numbers.

eastlaker: Excellent analysis! Would you consider running for the school board?

I would like to add a devils advocate perspective. Please bear in mind I have 2 children, one in 7th and the other in 10th, and one that just graduated high school a semester early. I have been intimately involved in all 3 of my childrens education, from a classroom helper, to PTA, to School Site Council, district committees and volunteer activities. From kinder through high school.

I also own a professional services business and have hired many young, high school graduates from our community and school district to work for me.

Also, I am not for or against common core at this point. Like all of you, I am a concerned parent, community member and tax payer.

Just my perspective ...

Our education system is broken and is failing our children. Many are not prepared for college, much less have basic skills to get a decent job. Why is that? There are many theories, thoughts, and conspiracies as to why. My simple view is that our education system teaches kids in a box. Our education system as it is now was created in the 1930s or early 1940s. It is what made our Country the best, most advanced and powerful in world history. It was perfect for the era and times.

As our society changed with advanced technology, more diversity, more complexity, more immediate needs, shorter attention spans, etc, etc., our education system, save a few minor adjustments, plugged along.

Just about every other industry in our country changed to meet needs and demands, in order to survive. Again, education did not.

Now with a world market, the weaknesses of our education system are clearly seen. We cannot compete with many other industrialzed countries in education. We have to import workers for many of our industries. Too many of our youth dont have the skills to compete for jobs that pay decent living wages.

So, what are we to do? The status quo, which for the most part has failed? Or change?

I am for change! Although education is not a for profit industry, its basic needs are no different than any other business or industry. That basic need is money! And in order for our education system to succeed, produce graduates that have basic skills, and be competitive in the world market, it must change! And it needs money to achieve the change.

Our children will be tested to get into college, during college, for employment, for grad school, vocational school, professional designations, and throughout life. I feel bad that tests make kids nervous, harms their self esteem and makes them sick. But, life is full of tests to help them succeed.

I am not an expert in education, so I dont know the answers. What I do know is that change is needed, money is needed, and testing is needed. The hows and whys can be left to experts to figure out.

Experts in stages of child development, specialists in child psychology of learning, that sort, not administrative manipulators or career politicians giving jobs to unqualifified and out of work friends.

First of all, let's dispel the myth that corporations fostered:our educational system was broken. The US has some of the best universities in the world attended by graduates of our American public schools. We encourage all of our students to attend college, not just the high achievers. Corporations that stand to earn billions of dollars want the American public to believe that schools are failing so they can swoop in, take over and collect those tax dollars. Teachers and their unions have been vilified and blamed for a problem that doesn't exist. If you adjust scores for socioeconomics, American students outperform their peers in other countries. Poor kids , who are kicked out of school in other countries, can't compete with their wealthier classmates but at least they have an opportunity here. Private schools and charter schools skim off the high achieving kids, ignoring special ed students, English learners and the poor. Don't label us as failing because we attempt to educate all students. Other countries don't even try.

eastlaker - you have my vote!!!!!!!

question - why do we as a nation continue to vote in and recycle more of the same?

eastlaker - if you have a talent, share it or it's waisted. I know what you're saying but just because we're white shouldn't hold us back. (Is that funny or no?)

Bvavsvavev

Great post. Adds new deminsion to discusion. Thank you

Bvasvasva - John Brickley - two people I respect greatly. Two educated, successful people who have different opinions - two people who continue to work to bring about positive change for OUR STUDENTS. TWO PEOPLE WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD TO CALL NEIGHBOR.

Regarding the 'testing' issue, I too believe Bbasvasva we can not sugar coat life, however I do not believe that teaching to 'the test' or students being barraged with one State/Federal test after another equates to education. Testing is part of education, I get that and agree it is a necessity. However, when it takes the place of innovative thinking, individual teaching methods, and interesting styles - that is where I draw the line. My Grandson who is an excellent student and avid reader (has read over 1,000 books) finds little value in one test after another.

As Mr. Brickley stated not all students are college bound. Lesser the students? NO! Vocational Education is a much needed choice for young adults. We need trades being taught in our schools. We have high schools that offer a variety of options, why not a High School that incorporates Voc Ed? Woodshop, Auto Shop, Electrical, Plumbing, Masonary all offered in one location where like minded future tradesmen and women can celebrate their uniqueness.

I am not as educated as I should be on Common Core, perhaps due to the fact I have been entrenched in anti corruption and the fiduciary irresponsibility of the SUHSD. I have spoken to several 'new, young, motivated, excited' teachers I know very well and they are celebrating Common Core. My primary concern is the fact that to expect students to alter their learning processes late in their educational life may very well have devastating effects. That is why I don't believe it should be rolled out in the Middle and High School years.

I am hearing from ALL teachers I have spoken to in the SUHSD that they have NOT seen the educating of themselves on Common Core that Sweetwater should have provided. So I will end the conversation with the question: WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT MONEY?????

eastlaker - I can't help but think that your hesitation to throw your hat into the ring might be more gender related.

shirleyberan--I appreciate your encouraging thoughts, but perhaps I can do more good as an independent thinker/commentator. I do believe that what Sweetwater needs right now is some people who are trained in forensic accounting to really dig into what has been going on. We need people who can figure out the real estate messes, and clear up all the other messes around the district as well.

We need to get to the bottom of the charter school deals--are contracts signed for a certain number of years, or if things aren't working, is the district able to cut any losses? Are we on the hook forever with these things? Is the authorization of all this legitimate, or is there some dubious activity involved?

So much has been done "fast and loose", as opposed to sensible and organized--that it will take a bit of time to figure out priorities for the NEW BOARD and the NEW SUPERINTENDENT who will, with any luck, be interested in bringing about some real change and positive momentum to Sweetwater.

Eastlaker, I would like that. You would make a challenging board member regardless of your gender. Do it for public education. And let's invite a teacher from each school to sample tamales from our annual contest, where the winning cooking class is awarded a $5,000 grant to expand the culinary arts in SUHSD! Oh .. No cooking classes? Shoot. Well let's invite all the shop teachers.. Oh there's only one left? He is retiring? Shoot. Hey but I hope you're on board with the iPads and my Hall of Fame trophy building idea....

SpecialEd is just a troublemaker. Ignore him.

NotSpecialEd can't understand sincerity or forward thinking. Looked at the YouTube trailer for If You Biuld It ... Design, Build, Transform ... Trade school, also known as technical or vocational school, teaches skills related to a specific job. Maybe that helps you understand something else you're missing Ed.

I hope nobody's taking points off for spelling.

Ed - I see now there is irony in the things you are most proud of. Keep talking.

Here is La Jolla Country Day's required test for a bit of comparison:

http://www.ljcds.org/page.cfm?p=2444#calendar

One of our SUHSD band teachers got nominated for teacher if the year, and I received some letters about how she taught a few classes full of kids how to play guitar. That school should receive ten grand and another teacher to expand their program. Sadly, I also received complaints about the oppressive administration there, what is a superintendent to do? This Common Core curriculum has us by the short hairs you know.

Ms. Phatek is absolutely correct. All of the things that she mentioned, testing, charter schools, failures in testing results, are all designed to do one thing is to make sure that public education as we know it will be gone. All these things point toward one thing and that is the privatization of public education. The wolves on Wall St are licking their lips waiting for this to happen. That is why teachers are vilified, charter schools to drain the money from neighborhood schools, break the teachers union, give tests that the students will fail, and everybody throws up their hands and says oh public education is broken.

If it is so broken why aren't these charter schools out preforming the public schools on these standardized tests? Remember No Child Left Behind? What was the answer if a school didn't meet their testing goals? Why of course close down the school, fire all the teachers and reassign the administrators. Common Core is just another way to close down neighborhood schools.

Here are some facts about charter schools in the San Diego Unified School District. Since their inception in the mid 90's about 1/3 of all charters have failed. The two biggest reasons for these failures is financial fraud and cheating about the number of students in class each day. Commonly referred to as the ADA, average daily attendance. All money to run these failed charters came from the districts General Fund. All money lost is not recoverable. Charters are about reinventing the wheel.

When all this goes down and public education is privatized, and when you attend a local school board meeting you will see corporate heads making up the school board and telling you what your child will learn and how much it will cost you. And silly you, you thought taking out a loan for education was just for college. It will now start in kindergarten.

zollner, Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Your point about the number of charters closing is interesting. I have seen isolated articles about charters closing, but it's probably time to put the puzzle together.

The foregoing has been a most valuable exchange of ideas. Two major thrusts have been going on in public education ever since the "A Nation at Risk" report came out about thirty years ago. A big part of that critique was that there was a lack of standards for various classes in many states and school districts, and that the teachers didn't know what was expected of them. In the intervening years, that deficiency has been closed up in most places. Another factor was lack of accountability. Teachers who had no standards to aim for could not be blamed for failure to teach. While most teachers had a pretty good idea of the standards, based on the textbook they were provided, it wasn't always clear just how intensely certain things needed to be covered. The anti-teachers union cabal picked up on this confusion and decided that the teachers would be evaluated (and fired) on the basis of the performance of their students on tests. That called for standardized tests. It was a short step from there to teachers teaching "to a test", and little else. Well, if your job were riding on how your kids performed on a big year-end test, you would spend your time preparing them for that, and doing little else. Just stands to reason, folks.

I recall in 1998 when the state wanted to do some uniform statewide testing, and wanted it on short notice. Nobody had a test that was based on California standards or on the "frameworks" that existed in certain disciplines. So, any test that was used would not fit with the state textbooks and generally not with the curricula being taught. Ah, but that didn't stop them. The state contracted to use the SAT-9 test, and administered it that year. (The test had nothing to do with the Scholastic Aptitude Test administered by the College Board, but was rather the Stanford Achievement Test (series), Version 9). It generally was based on some national standards that were followed most places most of the time, or so Stanford claimed. Sort of a "one size fits all" test package.

That year I was on the teaching staff of No County's most under-performing high school, and there was plenty of concern about the test. One morning I was trying to talk to a fellow teacher, and he looked as if his best friend had just died. This teacher taught American government to seniors. He declared, "I've just looked at that test and our kids are screwed." then he repeated "Our kids are screwed" several more times, mantra-like. A few questions formed in my mind, ones I didn't ask. First was why the school and district (which had no written standards for any classes) didn't teach something closer to those "national standards." Second was what he and his fellow social science teachers were teaching instead. Third was how/why the kids were "screwed." It seemed to me that if anyone was screwed, it was the teachers, the school, and the fouled-up district.

(See below.)

In the years since then, the state did develop detailed standards for the various classes and grade levels, and then the state tests were based on those standards. And we have parents frustrated with the pressure of the tests, and the blinders the teachers now wear through the year.

As a society, we've gone too far with the testing, and it is time to back off. Teachers should have the time to offer enrichment in their classes. This rigid set of expectations means that everyone is in a lock step, and far too much is riding on the outcome of the testing. But also beware of those who would eliminate it altogether. You do not want to go back to the era of no accountability at all.

Visduh - very interesting post. I believe parents have grown weary with their bored children who rarely have interesting facts to share and then discuss when it comes to the curriculum taught in any given day.

"Teachers, offering enrichment in their classes" ah yes, enrichment which includes discussion, varying share opinions, action counter action what ifs.

It is indeed most disheartening to hear from my grandchildren 'that class is boring, we read and take tests'.

There is definitely something broken in public school education. Too many tests, too many administrators taking valuable money from classroom teachers etc. At my sons private school on exam was given at the beginning of the year to see what areas needed improvement and one at the end to see results. Now that he is in public school there are many more tests, district measures, local measures, and now smarter balance assessments. All this testing is taking away valuable instructional time. In addition in public school no one fails. They just pass everyone despite poor performance. These then become those kids who can't compete nor keep up with everyone else and end up holding everyone behind. Also, in public schools ineffective teachers are not fired. You can be a terrible teacher who remains a teacher because of union affiliations. In private school ineffective teachers are always replaced by effective ones. And they spend 95% of their time in the classroom not in teacher training. In public school teachers are absent from the classroom 8 days for teacher development. Why this can't be done outside of classroom time is beyond my comprehension. Anytime their is a substitute student learning drops dramatically. At the private school my sons teacher missed 3 days of school total the whole year. That is the difference which is missing now in public school. Lastly, in private school parents supported teachers at home by helping themselves or getting tutoring where needed. At public school no matter what type of new teaching method you use children will not succeed laking this.

From my research it seems to me that the Chula Vista Elementary School District has taken federal money and is now obligated to adopt Common Core. The Gates Foundation has essentially purchased entire school districts and states into adopting common core standards. Chula Vista elementary schools have begun teaching these standards without instructional materials. I am no attorney but it seems to me they are in violation of the Williams Settlement Act which requires all students to have materials per se books to support what is being taught. The district did not have the funds to pay for books and yet they began teaching Common Core Standards. It appears to me someone is getting rich off of the backs of our children. Also that someone should look into who these test publishers are and the book publishers themselves to see if those making these instructional decisions aren't also the ones profiting from our children's tests and results. I believe we should for a parent union and refuse to take any more exams until someone is held accountable for the mess in public education.

OMG. I did it. I joined this Reader thing. Thought I would never do it. I am a friend of a friend who has been following ALL that has been going on quietly. I got moles just never wanted to take the chance to speak out. But what the hell. Sweetwater School District maybe one member left A Trust Baby with a Sociopath at the ready to really screw up things. I got dirt just need to dribble it out like Chinese water torture. I have been hearing about all kinds of things. How the District dropped the ball on the Local Control Funding Formula. I heard through the Grapevine ACLU is pissed. Special favors for a Bond Oversight Committee member who is a black sheep on that Group. Much more to follow on that one. There is a reason for everything in government if you can call this one. Tom Calhoun. How are you going to explain that corporate office aka District Headquarters to that student in National City whose family can not afford his/her Wifi on their District Ipad. MUCH more to follow…FINALLY!!!