There's a catch. There's always a catch, isn't there?
We are told that Tennessee will be developing our own Science Standards, and NOT adopting the controversial Common Core Next Generation Science Standards. The TN Department of Education posted on their website seeking:
"excellent educators and content experts to serve on science standards development teams. Up to 30 science standards development team members will be selected, representing all grades and subject levels. Teams will work together to develop proposed grade and course level standards and assessment design specifications."
Sounds reasonable and fair, right? Here's the catch...
The application to be considered to belong to this elite group of decision-makers specifically asks the applicant's opinion about Common Core, and even asks why the person believes that Common Core will benefit students in TN. If you don't agree, then you don't get to answer the rest of the question. (In other words, they don't want to hear anything negative about Common Core. You need not apply for this job if you don't love Common Core as much as they do.)
We're not kidding. See:
We are told that Tennessee will be developing our own Science Standards, and NOT adopting the controversial Common Core Next Generation Science Standards. The TN Department of Education posted on their website seeking:
"excellent educators and content experts to serve on science standards development teams. Up to 30 science standards development team members will be selected, representing all grades and subject levels. Teams will work together to develop proposed grade and course level standards and assessment design specifications."
Sounds reasonable and fair, right? Here's the catch...
The application to be considered to belong to this elite group of decision-makers specifically asks the applicant's opinion about Common Core, and even asks why the person believes that Common Core will benefit students in TN. If you don't agree, then you don't get to answer the rest of the question. (In other words, they don't want to hear anything negative about Common Core. You need not apply for this job if you don't love Common Core as much as they do.)
We're not kidding. See:
(Click HERE to see the other 8 questions on the application )
The Question we should all be asking:
Q: Who gets to pick the people to be on this new TN Science Standards Team?
The Answer we are all slapping our heads over because it is so clear:
A: The Department of Education led by the appointed Commissioner of Education, Kevin Huffman (who all just love love love Common Core).
In fact, the person to submit applications to is none other than Dr. Bethany King Wilkes, who is pictured below grinning like a Cheshire cat and holding the Next Generation Science Common Core standards learning map with a bunch of other important people.
The Question we should all be asking:
Q: Who gets to pick the people to be on this new TN Science Standards Team?
The Answer we are all slapping our heads over because it is so clear:
A: The Department of Education led by the appointed Commissioner of Education, Kevin Huffman (who all just love love love Common Core).
In fact, the person to submit applications to is none other than Dr. Bethany King Wilkes, who is pictured below grinning like a Cheshire cat and holding the Next Generation Science Common Core standards learning map with a bunch of other important people.
She gave a speech the day that picture was taken. In her speech, she used all the reform Common Core buzz-words that people are growing sick and tired of hearing:
“The Mission is to provide Tennessee students access to rigorous pathways aligned to STEM labor market needs in order to develop and promote a workforce that is educated and skilled in STEM fields”
(Click HERE to read more of her speech and to find out who those other important smiling people are in the photo)
So when the TN DOE unveils the new Tennessee State-Led Science Standards, don't be surprised when they are the same pig with different lipstick.
Indiana did the same thing last month. Their legislature and Governor revoked Common Core standards to the cheering crowds of parents and teachers. Then, after a process that resembled a "state-led" effort, they slapped a new name on the Common Core standards to rebrand them as the new Indiana standards. Voters aren't fooled. Not one bit.
The reality is that these standards must align with the other states for the testing and database fields to be compatible. This matters to the Federal Government. This matters to Bill Gates. This matters to those who stand to profit from tracking our children's personal data. They don't care what we color lipstick the pig is wearing, as long as they still bring home the bacon.
“The Mission is to provide Tennessee students access to rigorous pathways aligned to STEM labor market needs in order to develop and promote a workforce that is educated and skilled in STEM fields”
(Click HERE to read more of her speech and to find out who those other important smiling people are in the photo)
So when the TN DOE unveils the new Tennessee State-Led Science Standards, don't be surprised when they are the same pig with different lipstick.
Indiana did the same thing last month. Their legislature and Governor revoked Common Core standards to the cheering crowds of parents and teachers. Then, after a process that resembled a "state-led" effort, they slapped a new name on the Common Core standards to rebrand them as the new Indiana standards. Voters aren't fooled. Not one bit.
The reality is that these standards must align with the other states for the testing and database fields to be compatible. This matters to the Federal Government. This matters to Bill Gates. This matters to those who stand to profit from tracking our children's personal data. They don't care what we color lipstick the pig is wearing, as long as they still bring home the bacon.
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