Common Core

Common Core Tests Expected To Bring Large Drops In Scores In New York.

The New York (NY) Daily News (4/12, Chapman, Lestch) reports, "City and state education officials predicted a dramatic drop in test scores this year after rolling out more difficult exams kids will start taking next week." In fact, "students in grades 3 to 8 could see a whopping 30% decrease in scores, officials said." The new tests are "the culmination of a national effort - called Common Core - to engage students to think more critically in reading and math."

Indiana PTA Defends Common Core.

WRTV-TV Indianapolis (4/12) reports, "The fight over using Common Core education standards in Indiana is heating up, as the Indiana PTA sounds a new alarm over the plan to remove the guidelines from Hoosier schools." The group argues that "some school districts have already spent two years planning and making purchasing decisions based on the implementation of Common Core, and it's too late to turn back now." But "state Sen. Scott Schneider said the state should set its own standards and is championing legislation to, at least temporarily, pull the plug on Common Core."