Jan 07, 2014
Critics of the Common Core span the political and ideological spectrum. So do supporters.
Now the right is mobilizing to fight Common Core and brands the standards as a federal takeover. It will use the Common Core as a reason to fight for school choice, the far right agenda of charters and vouchers.
The irony is that some of the major stalwarts of the rightwing are advocates for Common Core, including Jeb Bush, Michelle Rhee, Joel Klein, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and various far-right governors.
The US Department of Education thought it pulled a fast one by using money from the Gates Foundation to develop the standards, then used the lure of Race to the Top to get 45 states to adopt Common Core, in some cases sight unseen.
But the absence of democratic process and transparency has poisoned the well. Tricking the public is not a good move in a democracy. It sows suspicion and distrust.
Common Core is the most controversial issue in education today, and the pitched battles in every state are indicative of the Obama administration's failed plan to create national standards by stealth. If Politico's article is right, Common Core could be a potent weapon to undermine public education, destroy unions, and promote charters and vouchers.
If this was the goal of the Obama administration and the Gates Foundation, it's working-and it's tragic.
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
© 2023 Diane Ravitch
Diane Ravitch
Diane Ravitch is a historian of education at New York University. Her most recent book is "Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools." Her previous books and articles about American education include: "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education," "Left Back: A Century of Battles Over School Reform," (Simon & Schuster, 2000); "The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn" (Knopf, 2003); "The English Reader: What Every Literate Person Needs to Know" (Oxford, 2006), which she edited with her son Michael Ravitch. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Critics of the Common Core span the political and ideological spectrum. So do supporters.
Now the right is mobilizing to fight Common Core and brands the standards as a federal takeover. It will use the Common Core as a reason to fight for school choice, the far right agenda of charters and vouchers.
The irony is that some of the major stalwarts of the rightwing are advocates for Common Core, including Jeb Bush, Michelle Rhee, Joel Klein, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and various far-right governors.
The US Department of Education thought it pulled a fast one by using money from the Gates Foundation to develop the standards, then used the lure of Race to the Top to get 45 states to adopt Common Core, in some cases sight unseen.
But the absence of democratic process and transparency has poisoned the well. Tricking the public is not a good move in a democracy. It sows suspicion and distrust.
Common Core is the most controversial issue in education today, and the pitched battles in every state are indicative of the Obama administration's failed plan to create national standards by stealth. If Politico's article is right, Common Core could be a potent weapon to undermine public education, destroy unions, and promote charters and vouchers.
If this was the goal of the Obama administration and the Gates Foundation, it's working-and it's tragic.
Diane Ravitch
Diane Ravitch is a historian of education at New York University. Her most recent book is "Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools." Her previous books and articles about American education include: "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education," "Left Back: A Century of Battles Over School Reform," (Simon & Schuster, 2000); "The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn" (Knopf, 2003); "The English Reader: What Every Literate Person Needs to Know" (Oxford, 2006), which she edited with her son Michael Ravitch. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Critics of the Common Core span the political and ideological spectrum. So do supporters.
Now the right is mobilizing to fight Common Core and brands the standards as a federal takeover. It will use the Common Core as a reason to fight for school choice, the far right agenda of charters and vouchers.
The irony is that some of the major stalwarts of the rightwing are advocates for Common Core, including Jeb Bush, Michelle Rhee, Joel Klein, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and various far-right governors.
The US Department of Education thought it pulled a fast one by using money from the Gates Foundation to develop the standards, then used the lure of Race to the Top to get 45 states to adopt Common Core, in some cases sight unseen.
But the absence of democratic process and transparency has poisoned the well. Tricking the public is not a good move in a democracy. It sows suspicion and distrust.
Common Core is the most controversial issue in education today, and the pitched battles in every state are indicative of the Obama administration's failed plan to create national standards by stealth. If Politico's article is right, Common Core could be a potent weapon to undermine public education, destroy unions, and promote charters and vouchers.
If this was the goal of the Obama administration and the Gates Foundation, it's working-and it's tragic.
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.