The Current Debate about Common Core State Standards and the Standardization of K-12 Education in the United States
Abstract
This study examines the accountability movement that is currently being carried out in the United States and how the Common Core State Standards initiative contributes to the standardization of k-12 education in the country. This conceptual paper uses both empirical and periodical literature from the past 15 years. Findings show, for the most part, programs designed to improve equity and student learning have fallen short of accountability benchmarks. This has led to an environment that includes educators given more and more responsibilities and increased pressure to meet everchanging criterions, much of it through rigid policies and curriculum. Ultimately, Common Core State Standards and its mandates on accountability have initiated a profound shift in the ways that district leadership strategically plan, how principals lead schools, and teachers teach.