ERIC Number: ED589368
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Dec
Pages: 27
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Mediocrity 2.0: Massachusetts Rebrands Common Core ELA & Math. White Paper No. 174
Bauerlein, Mark; Milgram, R. James; Robbins, Jane
Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research
In 2016 the state of Massachusetts began a process to end the confusing series of alterations to education by revising and aligning the state's academic standards and tests. In March 2017 the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved revisions to the state English language arts (ELA) and math standards. The purpose of this report is to answer two questions: (1) Are the latest revisions substantial or superficial?; and (2) Do the revisions signal a return to the quality of the pre-Common Core standards, or continue the trajectory of Common Core? These questions are addressed by recognized subject-matter experts. Dr. Mark Bauerlein (English) and Dr. R. James Milgram (math), both of whom have extensive knowledge of Common Core and of the pre-Common Core Massachusetts standards. Their answers, while not surprising, will disappoint the commonwealth's parents and other citizens who had hoped for a return to the glory days of Massachusetts education.
Descriptors: Educational Quality, State Standards, Academic Standards, Standardized Tests, Language Arts, Mathematics Education, English Instruction, Common Core State Standards, Curriculum, State Legislation, Educational Legislation
Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research. 185 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02110. Tel: 617-723-2277; Web site: http://www.pioneerinstitute.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: SAT (College Admission Test); National Assessment of Educational Progress; Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A