Sea change afoot for education in Alaska

To the editor:

About 27 years ago, I had the opportunity to sit at the table while school principals, a parent representative and the director of instruction for an Alaska school district discussed a major shift in educational direction. Of course, the non-educator young woman that I was did not recognize it as being a huge issue, but it was. The discussion centered around the implementation and impact of Alaska’s student grading system using the new “outcome-based” grading methodology.

Today, we have another educational sea change facing us. It is a federally endorsed, nationally promoted sea change. Discussions surrounding it are raging on the Internet, and several states have websites about it. Alaskans have a seat at the table through our legislative representation, but most of us have not heard much of the discussion. It is called “Common Core” and it is comprised of a set of educational standards, assessments (tests) and curriculum materials. It is my understanding that Alaska’s Department of Education has adopted a modified set of Common Core standards as well as the assessments. It is also my understanding that Alaskan school boards can choose whether or not to adopt the standards (at the minimum), the assessments and/or the curriculum.

I know very little about Common Core, but I am intrigued by the furor surrounding its creation and implementation. In fact, the very existence of two vehemently opposite views on most any educational program would pique my interest. Very rarely (if ever) have I witnessed a national debate about what is being used in the schools to teach our future leaders. The ongoing educational and school-related issues I am aware of include sex education, pledging allegiance to the flag, bullying and prayer. None of these are as educationally all-encompassing as Common Core could be. All of this is behind why I am participating in a community forum regarding Common Core.

Anchorage School District Board of Directors has adopted the Common Core standards and assessments. Pat Higgins, ASD board member, and Barbara Haney of StopTheCommonCore.com have agreed to come to Wasilla and discuss the issues surrounding Common Core. The Common Core Standards Community Forum is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 19 in the Prudential Jack White/Vista Real Estate building, 865 N. Seward Meridian Parkway, Wasilla.

I encourage all of you to come, hear and ask questions about how our schools will be fundamentally impacted if we adopt this educational sea change called Common Core.

Beth Fread

Palmer