The more I read about the current state board of education elections in Alabama, the more my heart sinks. But I have come to the realization that the fight between Democrats and Republicans will eventually kill the opportunity for Alabama Schools to move forward into the 21st Century. This is a tragedy of exponential proportions. I have fought feverishly to inform the public as well as the politicians, but no one wants to listen. And as a result, our Alabama students will continue to have disadvantages that will make life harder and harder for them to overcome.
Here's what I know to be true. The current methods in which we try to show proficiency in this state is truly at the basic level. I know the cut scores, and I know the types of questions on the assessments. I have studied the item specifications in Alabama with great detail. Our current testing system seeks only to show basic proficiency. Basic proficiency will not get you into college without remediation. Basic proficiency will not give you the skills to keep a job that will sustain a family and make you successful.
We need a lot more rigor built into our current Alabama Standards and within the curriculum to have our students college and career ready. But I guess many are asking the question "Why Common Core?" After all, isn't it the next step by the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT to bring socialism and federal control over our schools? Well, if you listen to many politicians out there today, "Yes!" This is also a tragedy. I am not sure it is not a conspiracy within a conspiracy. One group knows that it is what is best, and they know if they embrace it, the other group will fight it. It will keep the poor poorer. It will keep Americans dependent on the government because they cannot provide for themselves, so in essence, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. But... those politicians can shout it from the housetops they SAVED America.
Here's what you are saying when you tell the American people that you are saving them from the HORRIBLE FEDERAL Government:
1. You are telling them that the mediocrity of our current status among all other states is OK with you.
2. You are telling them that you can live with our horrific dropout rate.
3. You are telling them that you don't feel Alabama teachers can handle the challenge of a more rigorous set of standards.
4. You are telling them that Alabama children do not deserve to have the same educational opportunities as all the children in the many states that are moving forward and embracing change.
5. You are telling them you are afraid to allow their children to be too successful.
Now I know politicians will deny this violently. But for the Alabamians that will sit down and take a closer look, you will see you are being duped. Duped by both sides. Knowledge is power. People who love power don't want the rest of us to have a lot of it. So, let's go ahead and keep the ignorant in ignorance. Let's not give our Alabama students a cutting edge. Let's keep the status quo where it is.
OK. Believe it or not, I can live with it. I work outside of the state of Alabama on most days. I am working with states that are moving forward with Common Core. I see the challenges of the high school students in IL that must take the ACT in order to show proficiency in high school. I understand the plight of these kids. Common Core is helping build a better foundation for the mathematical mind for them. They are moving forward.
For those students in Indiana, they are experiencing literacy in science and history at new and heightened levels. They are using computers and smart phones to complete Google Treks. They are forming debate teams. They are syncing with leaders and other members of the community through video conferencing. They are doing all these things in the classroom as their teachers embrace Common Core. Teachers feel more free than they have in years to do what they need to do for their classrooms. (I wonder if the politicians really want Alabamians to hear this.)
For the first time in many years, Common Core is putting autonomy back into the hands of teachers (and yet the rhetoric that we hear each day is the exact opposite). At one point in history when it was difficult to do your own research, those seeking a new land believed Greenland was green and Iceland was ice. Parents, you don't have to be duped today. Ask the tough questions. Ask how the politicians plan to give Alabamians back the $80 million (that's $80,000,000.00) in remediation that was required to help your children be able to take an entry level course in college math or English. Ask the politicians what are their NEW methods for providing new teacher training in technology so your children can have the skills needed to get a high paying job. (OH but be careful, there are some politicians who do not want you to have a high paying job. Trust me, I was recently attacked by some for being successful in what I do each day.)
Do you want to know how I have been successful in Alabama? First of all, God has blessed me abundantly. Second of all, my mother pushed me every day of my life because she knew what it would take. Third of all, my teachers kept me engaged and learning. But even with all this support, I still struggled at the university in the college of physical sciences. So, those politicians that attacked me for wanting better for Alabama students have no idea the personal struggles that I have made to be where I am. And yet, because I am successful today, they ATTACKED me for challenging them to do what is best for Alabama students.
Will I profit if Common Core standards are used in Alabama? No more than I already profit today from having a job helping schools improve. The standards do not bring wealth to educational consultants. The need for schools to improve creates a place for people with my expertise to help others. So, there will always be a need for educational expertise and problem solving skills. There will always be a need for continual training. (Well, in most states- Perhaps not Alabama!) However perhaps the greatest way in which I will profit will be the wealth Common Core could eventually bring our state. Better job opportunities for Alabamians. More businesses will be attracted to Alabama. Higher standard of living will be great. We need a change for the better.
If not Common Core... Then what? That is the question I want to ask those who are running for positions in education. What we have is not working. Check the poverty rate in Alabama. Check the NAEP scores of students in Alabama. Check the dropout rate in Alabama. BUT more importantly check the attrition of Alabama college students, and check the multiplied millions (almost a billion) a year spent for remediation to keep kids in college because they are not ready for college or career.
I know I am probably blogging for my own stress release. But I really wished just once in my lifetime citizens of this great state would demand more. I am not afraid to work harder... demand more of me. How many of those so called politicians wanting your vote will tell you the same.
My name is Sarah Odom, and I approve this blog entry!
Sarah
