Since 2010, Educators throughout Michigan have been teaching to the Common Core State Standards.
These academic standards in mathematics and english language arts are in place for kindergarten through 12th grade, outlining what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade.
Kelli Fortino, Fair View Elementary kindergarten teacher has been teaching in Lansing for 20 years and worries about the effects the standards have on her students.
“And when we are expecting the higher level thinking, that they start to struggle,” said Fortino.
Fortino said some of her students struggle to take the basic concepts and mesh them together.
Another educator, Michigan State Education Professor Alyssa Dunn, teaches her students how to work with these standards.
“I would want them to just learn what the standards say and then where there is room for flexibility,” said Dunn.
A Bill proposed by State Representative Gary Glenn is now being considered to repeal the Common Core Standards.
“I think it’s a good idea to repeal the common core, but not for the reason the legislators are arguing for,” said Dunn.
Lawmakers like Glenn argue the Common Core is not accurately measuring student achievement. Where some parents and teachers believe the problems lie with the standardized testing.
“I don’t think it’s a very good measure of what they’re capable of,” said mother Alana Reome.
Fortino said one of the parents came to her almost in tears after they received a concern letter for their child.
“They’re being pushed so hard,” said Fortino. “And we’re required to do time test with the kids now. How many can you do in a minute, keep it moving. It is sad.”
Fortino said some of her students just need time to learn school, what it means to be in a classroom, following directions and making friends.
She encourages lawmakers to have a think tank with educators to devise a plan if the Common Core is repealed.
If the Common Core State Standards are repealed, a new set of standards that are used in Massachusetts will be adopted.