Right after Betsy DeVos was nominated for the post of Secretary of Education by President Donald Trump, she announced she was not a supporter of Common Core. The presumption was because she is against this, and her boss is against it as well, the standards will most likely be eliminated under her leadership.
DeVos observers from both sides, however, need some convincing on how she will act on Common Core in America's education system since, despite her claims, she has worked and funded organizations that have interests in Common Core. On her official site, DeVos explained her stand, but what will she have to do convince the public she will decide what's right for the Department of Education and the students?
Breitbart suggested six points for DeVos in reshaping her department and its problems with Common Core. One of this includes assuring states that would like to replace the standards there won't be any penalties.
Apparently, some school officials have experienced threats and pressures should they do away with Common Core. "She should vow to remove those pressure points and make it clear to states that the feds won't penalize them in any way if they replace Common Core with good standards," Jane Robbins of the American Principles Project told the news outlet.
DeVos could also issue a new guidance to clarify vague sections in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that regulates Common Core. It should also clarify that the secretary cannot coerce or mandate states to keep the specific standards. Federal involvement is supposedly off-limits when it comes to influencing states regarding Common Core.
The debate over Common Core remains controversial. Some argue the students' achievements did not improve because of the standards and the process itself is complicated and frustrating for both students and parents, according to 74 Million.
Those who support Common Core, however, believe it challenges students to sharpen their critical thinking, which is crucial for when they become employed. States that adopt the standards are given a federal grant, according to CBS News, which has also become an accountability issue.
