As the state joins others in a transition to ‘Common Core,’ experts warn it will almost surely mean lower test scores.
By Noel K. Gallagher ngallagher@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
July 21
Excerpt of Maine schools’ shift to tougher standards
Students and parents, take note: New, tougher academic standards for kindergartners through 12th-graders are kicking in this fall.
Maine has joined 44 other states in adopting the more “rigorous” Common Core educational standards.Instead of memorizing the times table or a math formula, students must acquire deep understanding of how numbers work. Instead of a vocabulary test, they must explain what motivated an author to write a book a certain way.
Under the new “Common Core” standards adopted by Maine and 44 other states, students will need to understand material more deeply, and work out problems on their own. It is aimed at ensuring high school graduates are ready for college or a job and can compete in a global market.
It also won’t be easy: The new standards require a fundamental change in teaching methods, and when testing starts in 2015, the state will see an inevitable drop in student test scores, according to experts.
“It could be as high as 40 percent in some grades and some content areas,” said David Galin, the chief academic officer in the Portland School District. “It’s going to be shocking for some people.”
The cost could be shocking, too. One national study said it will cost states $80 per student and $560 per teacher to make the switch.
