At the core of controversy

Despite the fact that it's a done deal, local angst persists over the Common Core Standards (CCS) to improve and clarify K-12 goals in math and English. An opt-in choice, Idaho and nearly all U.S. states and territories have adopted them. Six have yet to sign on: Texas, Alaska, Minnesota, Nebraska, Virginia and Puerto Rico.

Much of the objection comes from a mistaken perception of federal control. While the standards were developed with input from governments and schools nationwide, the effort was state-led (by governors and school officials) and states do not have to adopt them. Once they do, states fill in the blanks to implement them. An effort at uniformity among states? Yes. A federal mandate? No.

In any case, the basic goal was to reduce the number of high school graduates who still need remedial reading and math courses just to handle basic college courses or be ready to work. Theoretically, that should have been accomplished before the end of high school, but too often, it hasn't. The CCS aim to correct it.

The basic standards include:

Reading - There is no set reading list; that's decided by districts. Instead, a goal of increasing complexity of comprehension with variety, from classics to contemporary, with an emphasis on vocabulary. A reading habit as simple as stopping to look up a word before continuing affects not only understanding of what one reads, but also memory retention.

Writing - "The ability to write logical arguments based on substantive claims, sound reasoning, and relevant evidence," along with "opinion writing/a basic form of argument" starting at the elementary level. Opinions are only as good as they are informed, so better research skills (and discerning the difference between reliable sources and bias/opinion) are a key component.

Speaking/listening/language - This may sound simple, but it is at the root of so many personal and world problems: communication skills. Effective communication - logic vs. uncontrolled emotion, listening openly vs. hearing only what you want to, understanding word meanings vs. unnecessary consequences of misimpressions - is a survival skill and increasingly, a lost art.

Media (as in types, not news)/technology - Catching up to the skills which will be expected of them in school and modern workplaces, critical analysis, and production.

Math - Here's where it gets tough to outline. The CCS attempt to transform general goals into more specific ones, and to emphasize true comprehension over rote memorization of mnemonic devices and formulas. To better ensure students can explain a concept, not just plug in a formula. The U.S. ranks too low internationally in student math abilities; the eight CCS' "Eight Standards for Mathematical Practice" hope to change that.

You can read each of the specific standards (or just the summaries), CCS history, and FAQs at CoreStandards.org. Idaho's part is at SDE.Idaho.gov/site/common/.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].