Today's COMMON CORE news:

AP Analysis: Goal Of Comparing “Common Core” Results Unrealized.

The AP (8/30, Armario) reports the Common Core test results are starting to become available; however, the goal of being able to compare scores across state lines “has largely unraveled” as states opt out of testing groups to create their own exams. The article notes that the scores now available in some states are “higher than expected” but below what parents are accustomed to seeing.

Two Dozen States Delay Accountability From Common Core Tests.

Alyson Klein writes at the Education Week (8/31) “Politics K-12” blog that as results from Common Core-based testing begin to come in, 24 states and the District of Columbia will not be using the results to determine “school ratings on state accountability systems.” She explains that last year, ED told states that while they switch to the new tests based on the Common Core, they can “‘pause’ state-level accountability during the 2014-15 school year.” The piece notes that of that 24, Colorado’s approval is contingent upon the approval of an extension to its NCLB waiver.

Nearly Two Dozen Oregon Districts Fail To Meet Common Core Participation Targets.

The AP (8/31, Frazier) reports that Oregon state data show that 21 of the nearly 200 districts across the state “failed to meet federal testing targets for Smarter Balanced assessments,” noting that ED requires states to test at least of 95 students in all subgroups. State schools chief Salam Noor told administrators that the state could lose $344 million in Federal funding.

Common Core Support Weighs Against Bush, Kasich With Some GOP Voters.

USA Today (8/28, Thompson) reports that Jeb Bush and Ohio Gov. John Kasich have both faced criticism on the campaign trail for their support for the Common Core Standards, both from potential voters and from rival candidates. The piece points out that they are correct in their assertion that the standards are not Federal in origin or implementation, but notes that the candidates “need the vote of Republicans who disagree with them.”