Malcolm Rivera
The Common Core is a set of educational standards that outline the skills students should have at each grade level in English/language arts and math. The standards have been the subject of much debate and criticism, with some arguing that they are a federal takeover of education that limits the flexibility and creativity of teachers. One of the criticisms of the Common Core is that it teaches the Constitution as a living document rather than a “legal document”, which has sparked controversy among conservative scholars. The Common Core-aligned lesson plans focus on the Preamble to the Constitution and the principle of popular sovereignty, but critics argue that this viewpoint is presented as fact without any balancing perspective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The Constitution is a "living document" | It is open to interpretation and can be changed and reinterpreted over time. |
| Popular sovereignty | "We the People" are the true rulers in American government, not the king, legislature, or courts. |
| Inclusivity | The question of who is included in "We the People" has evolved over time to include women, non-property-owning white males, American Indians, and African Americans. |
| Required texts | The Common Core requires the teaching of the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincoln's second inaugural address. |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution as a 'living document'
The Common Core is a set of educational standards that outline the skills students should have at each grade level in English/language arts and math. The standards were initially adopted by 45 states and were implemented in North Carolina classrooms in 2012. The Common Core is not a curriculum, and teachers are still responsible for deciding how to teach their students. However, critics of the Common Core standards claim that they limit the flexibility and creativity of teachers.
One of the criticisms of the Common Core is that it teaches the Constitution as a "living document". This theory, which is hotly contested, suggests that the Constitution is subject to change and reinterpretation over time. Conservative scholars, such as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, argue that the Constitution is a "legal document" that has a fixed meaning. Critics of the Common Core claim that this theory is presented as fact without any alternative perspectives. They argue that the Constitution is a written document that can be amended through a formal process.
The Common Core-aligned lesson plans on the Preamble to the Constitution emphasize the importance of the first three words: "We the People". This phrase establishes the principle of popular sovereignty, which states that the people are the true rulers in American government rather than any individual or institution. However, the question of who is included in "We the People" has been a subject of debate, as historically, women, racial minorities, and non-property-owning white males were excluded from the full rights and protections of the Constitution.
The interpretation of the Constitution as a living document has implications for how it is taught in schools and understood by lawyers and judges. Critics argue that this interpretation allows for the Constitution to be changed and reinterpreted without following the amendment process. They worry that this could lead to rulings on important issues such as gun control, marriage equality, and First Amendment rights that are not grounded in the original meaning of the Constitution.
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Popular sovereignty
The Common Core curriculum teaches students about the six big ideas contained in the U.S. Constitution: limited government, republicanism, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty. These ideas are studied through an analysis of the text of the Constitution, examination of primary sources, and exploration of their relationship to current political issues.
The Constitution establishes a system of government based on the consent and authority of the governed. It recognises that the people are the ultimate source of power and that the government derives its legitimacy from them. This principle is reflected in the structure of the government, with its system of checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism, designed to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people.
In the context of popular sovereignty, students may engage in discussions and debates about the role of voter ballot initiatives. They may explore the question of whether ballot initiatives, which allow voters to directly participate in law-making, should be able to overturn laws passed by legislative bodies. This debate reflects the tension between the ideals of popular sovereignty and representative democracy.
By studying the Constitution and its underlying principles, students can gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. system of government and the values it embodies. They can explore how the Founders, through their relationships and consensus-building, created a framework that continues to shape the nation's political and legal landscape.
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Critics of Common Core
The rollout of Common Core has also been criticized for resembling a marketing campaign more than a well-thought-out educational plan. The initiative has been accused of being driven by political and economic interests, with a focus on implementing national standards and tests that may not align with the unique needs of each state or district. This has led to resistance and concerns from educators, lawmakers, and citizens in various states, with some states delaying or attempting to repeal the implementation of Common Core.
Another criticism of Common Core is its narrow focus on math and English Language Arts (ELA) while neglecting other important subjects such as history, science, and the arts. This has raised concerns about the potential negative impact on the breadth of student learning and the prioritization of tested subjects over untested but equally important areas. The high-stakes testing regimen associated with Common Core has also been criticized for limiting the time and resources available for a well-rounded education.
Additionally, critics have taken issue with Common Core's portrayal of the Constitution as a "living document." While this theory is supported by some American legal scholars, it is also highly contested. Critics argue that presenting this viewpoint without offering alternative perspectives fails to provide a balanced understanding of the Constitution and judicial restraint. They assert that the Constitution is a ""legal document" with a defined process for amendment, rather than an evolving entity.
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Student testing
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $360 million to two groups of states to design assessments for the common standards. These were the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). The field-testing of the PARCC and Smarter Balanced assessments in 2014 sparked opposition from teachers, parents, students, and policymakers, who argued that the tests ate up too much instructional time. There was also an "opt-out" movement, with tens of thousands of students boycotting the first administration of these tests in 2015.
The new nationwide assessments were intended to make it easier to compare students across states. However, critics worry about the costs associated with them and argue that Common Core places too much emphasis on testing. There is also concern that the tests are a high-stress, high-stakes situation that does not truly measure what students can do.
In addition, the decision in most states to use student test scores as a significant component of a teacher's evaluation has been criticised as fuelling the perception that the focus is on "weeding out weak teachers" rather than supporting teachers through the transition to Common Core. The use of student test scores in teacher evaluations has also been a concern for parents who are tired of the testing culture.
It is important to note that the Common Core standards themselves did not mandate standardised testing in schools. This was instead due to the No Child Left Behind Act, approved in 2002, which required all schools to test children in math and English/language arts in grades 3-8 and once in high school, and to make those results public. However, the perception that Common Core is responsible for increased testing has gone largely unchallenged.
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Curriculum control
The Common Core standards are not a detailed, day-to-day curriculum, but rather a broad outline of learning expectations from which teachers and district leaders craft a curriculum. They emphasize students' ability to engage with complex texts and construct arguments, pushing students to understand mathematical concepts rather than merely memorizing answers.
The political nature of the Common Core has sparked opposition from both conservative and liberal activists. Conservative critics argue that it encroaches on states' rights, while liberals express concern about corporate influence in education policy. The incentive of federal grants for states adopting the Common Core has also been contentious, with states' rights backers arguing that it violates laws prohibiting federal mandates on classroom teaching.
The Common Core's approach to teaching the Constitution as a "living document" has also drawn criticism. This perspective contrasts with the view that the Constitution is a static legal document. Critics argue that the Common Core presents a one-sided viewpoint without offering alternative theories, such as judicial restraint.
Additionally, the Common Core has faced opposition due to the lengthy assessment durations and the potential impact on instructional time. An "opt-out" movement gained traction, with students boycotting the PARCC and Smarter Balanced tests. Concerns have also been raised about the costs associated with nationwide assessments and the perceived emphasis on testing.
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Frequently asked questions
The Common Core standards teach the Constitution as a "living document". The standards require the teaching of the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincoln's second inaugural address.
The "living document" theory is a school of thought among American legal scholars that suggests the Constitution is subject to change and reinterpretation. Critics argue that this theory is presented as fact without any balancing philosophy of judicial restraint.
Common Core standards are descriptions of the skills students should have at each grade level in English/language arts and math by the time they finish high school. They are not a detailed, day-to-day curriculum but rather a broad outline of learning expectations.
Critics argue that the Common Core standards are a federal takeover of education, homogenize education, and place too much emphasis on testing. There are also concerns about the costs associated with the nationwide assessments and the amount of control ceded to national groups.
Under the Common Core standards, kindergarteners are required to learn how to count to 100 by ones and tens. By the end of 2nd grade, students should be able to explain how images in an informational text contribute to its meaning.
