Let teachers drive classroom concepts; then study results

David Coleman and others approached the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with an idea to support Common Core. The foundation agreed to their basic concept. The U.S. Department of Education also agreed to the Common Core program.

Common Core is basically a mandate for all 50 states to agree to the concept of one-size-fits-all in teaching requirements. At the time, all states were hurting for funding due to the recession, so the DOE offered grants and entitlements to the states that bought into Common Core. Florida bought into Common Core sight unseen.

Because of the concerns and the stigma that grew against Common Core, the Florida Department of Education changed the name to Next Generation Sunshine Standards (NGSS). For whatever reason, this did not go over very well and the name was changed again to Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). Even though the name has been changed, the FSA is 99 percent Common Core.

Washington decreed all states will follow the Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA), which replaced the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Nice sounding mandates but unrealistic.

Tallahassee agreed to the mandate in order to receive federal funding. As everyone is aware, Florida has 67 counties that are unique in their own way, and herein lies the problem. We are all competitive in nature, and we like to know what we do is right.

However, without being able to compete we are “treading water” and going nowhere.

Would it not be in the best interest for our next generation to allow teachers to put forth and teach their concepts based on their desires and knowledge about their classes? We could compare each county internally and externally to see what is working and what isn’t. This comparison could be based on poverty levels, ethnic backgrounds and affluent groups.

Education experts have the knowledge and knowhow to answer this. They should be the driving force on this issue, not concerned citizens.

Finally, let us get real about what salaries our teachers are making.

From the bottom of our hearts to all our teachers everywhere, we thank you for what you are and what you have done for our children. We have been and are blessed to have you in our lives.