By Saniya Ghanoui -- July 21, 2010
Massachusetts students may have to hit the books a little harder now.
The state Board of Education voted to adopt the national education guidelines Wednesday in a step Education Secretary Paul Reville called "a great decision for the people of the Commonwealth."
The national standards, called Common Core, outline what material should be taught at each grade level. Common Core calls for more scientific and math education while keeping the strong English and literary curriculum Massachusetts already has.
Linda Noonan is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. She said students may not see a huge difference in the curriculum, but the emphasis is for students to be well rounded and prepared to enter college or to start a career.
"We change our standards in Massachusetts fairly regularly to keep improving them and making sure that they're the highest they can possibly be and will result in the highest student achievement."
The Common Core standards will not come without disapproval, though. Some critics say the adoption of the national standards will make it harder for Massachusetts to make revisions to the curriculum, specifically if the state wants to advance student success rates.
However, Noonan said those critical of Common Core are not basing their critiques on evidence.
"The reality is that Massachusetts can walk away from the Common Core, can change its standards at anytime. There is no life-long contract being signed here," said Noonan.
President Obama has pushed for states to approve Common Core and almost two dozen states have already adopted the initiative.
The education reform is a subject in the governor's campaign. Republican Charlie Baker and Independent Tim Cahill are hesitant to support Common Core. A Gov. Deval Patrick spokesperson said the two candidates were playing with children's educations.
(Photo courtesy: AP Images)
