Martha Jaquith

Top 10 Problems with Common Core 1. Lowered Academic Rigor in Key Grades Despite claims of “college and career readiness,” many standards—especially in middle school math—delay or dilute core content (e.g., Algebra I), leaving students underprepared for advanced coursework. 2. Overemphasis on Process at the Expense of Content Students are often required to explain multiple strategies before mastering basic facts and procedures, undermining fluency in arithmetic and algebra. 3. Incoherent Math Progression The sequencing of topics is frequently fragmented. Foundational skills are spread thinly across grades rather than being taught to mastery, violating well-established principles of cognitive learning. 4. Weakness in Early Mathematics Common Core deemphasizes memorization and standard algorithms in early grades, leading to poor number sense and widespread deficiencies that persist into later grades. 5. One-Size-Fits-All National Framework Common Core constrains local control and professional judgment, limiting the ability of districts and teachers to choose curricula aligned with their students’ needs. 6. Mismatch Between Standards and Curriculum The standards themselves are vague, but the curricula developed to “align” with them (e.g., inquiry-heavy or discovery-based programs) often exacerbate instructional weaknesses. 7. Increased Cognitive Load on Students Complex word problems, multiple representations, and excessive written explanations overwhelm students—particularly struggling learners—before they have mastered the underlying math. 8. Misalignment with High-Performing Countries Contrary to marketing claims, Common Core does not resemble the focused, content-driven curricula used in high-performing countries like Singapore, Japan, or South Korea. 9. Poor Results After Long-Term Implementation After more than a decade, national assessments (NAEP) show flat or declining math achievement, suggesting the standards have failed to improve outcomes at scale. 10. Erosion of Teacher-Led Instruction Common Core implementation has often discouraged direct instruction in favor of student-led discovery, despite strong evidence that explicit teaching is more effective—especially in mathematics. Thank you for your SUPPORT. -Mrs. Martha Jaquith Kingston NH