CORE: Reasons for common worry

The Idaho State Department of Education website informs us that “Common Core Standards will transform the educational future of generations.” This appears to be well underway in Coeur d’Alene schools.

Using your tax dollars, teachers formed their own committee to develop a new course proposal. The school board sent it to another committee in the middle of the Christmas season when most parents are very busy and unaware. Meetings are not held on the same day of the week, nor at a time when most parents can attend.

The new class proposal is titled “Modern Movies as Literature.” While the term “literature” is derived from a Latin term meaning, “writing formed with letters,” it has a universal definition to include “any kind of printed matter.” Many of the Hollywood movies up for school board consideration are very entertaining. One question the public should ask is whether or not taxpayers should support sending kids to school to watch movies. Schools are required to align curriculum to state standards. A key component of literacy standards includes the term “TEXT” yet there are no subtitled films.

Another concern is brain stimulation. Research shows brain activity is slowed while watching TV/video. Movie snippets can be a useful tool in the classroom, but full showings require nearly two hours per movie. How is this helping ensure “compliance with higher expectations?”

Research also shows that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance and reduces dropout rates. Maybe teachers could offer extra credit with a list of recommended family movies students can write about. What a great way for students and their families to interact! The board needs parent and grandparent input, you can email the school board via the board clerk at [email protected].

DEBBIE MORRIS

Coeur d’Alene