Common Core in Seaford – the good, the bad and the ugly

While hundreds of Long Island educators and parents crowded the auditorium at Mineola High School on Wednesday, November 13 to voice concerns about the Common Core State Standards, in nearby Seaford, another forum on the Common Core took place. There, about 100 parents gathered at Seaford High School to learn more about how the Common Core State Standards are being implemented for grades K-5 in the Seaford School District.

“The Common Core State Standards represent a paradigm shift in education,” explained John Striffolino, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum for Seaford Schools. “On its own merits, it holds many positive things. We must embrace it – the mental rigor and a curriculum that links real world situations to education.”

The good, the bad and the ugly

The Common Core is a nationwide effort, led by individual states, to establish a single set of educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts and mathematics. The standards are designed to prepare students for rigorous competition in the global economy.

That’s what is “good” about the Common Core – an opportunity for effective educational reform that will challenge and prepare students, said Mr. Striffolino. But there is also the “bad” – tying the new educational standards to high stakes testing that demoralizes students and teachers. And then there is the “ugly,” what Seaford Superintendent Brian Conboy calls the hidden costs of the Common Core combined with a 2% tax cap that effect education.

“These are unfunded mandates,” said Mr. Conboy. “We must provide resources and materials that are aligned with the Common Core. And we don’t have the technology,” he said referring to smart boards for all the children. “Furthermore, there are the additional costs for teacher training.”

“It’s as if each district’s teachers are race car drivers,” said Mr. Striffolino. “Our race car drivers are as good as those in any other district. But some districts have race car drivers in Formula One Cars and our race car drivers are in four-door sedans,” said Mr. Striffolino, referring to available resources.