There are some misconceptions about Common Core and Catholic education. The Common Core education model was adopted by many states in 2013 under political pressure. It is a standardized education model developed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. There are 8 things every Catholic should know about the Common Core.
It Does Not Apply
Common Core curriculum mandates do not apply to Catholic schools. Catholic schools are under no obligation to conform, and in fact, should be following their own distinct standards for authentic Catholic education.
It Falls Short of the Richness of Catholic Education
The Common Core curriculum is focused on readying students for college and entry-level jobs. The Catholic curriculum is focused on forming the whole child, developing young minds and souls so that they are not only ready to be good citizens of this world, but also citizens of the world to come – forming scholars and saints!
Catholic Curriculum Already Focused on Higher Education
Students who graduate from Catholic schools have no need of help in preparing for college – Catholic high schools already have a 99% graduation rate, and 85% of Catholic school graduates attend four-year colleges.
The Common Core Was Never Tested
Common Core curriculum was never tested by teachers and students. It was quickly designed and quickly deployed, and no one can say for sure if it achieves its goals or not. Catholic education has been tested, over centuries, and the existence of Western civilization proves that it has succeeded.
Common Core is Big On Testing and Textbooks
Common Core curriculum is big on textbooks and testing. However, standardized everything rarely works in education. Authentic Catholic education focuses on our students who are taught by reading classic books and learning from skilled educators. No educational fads here – just great books and great teachers.
It can Hinder Learning and More Importantly Analytical Thinking
Common Core puts so much emphasis on "rote" learning via textbooks that it can be a hindrance to creating great minds. Whereas classical literature is not emphasized with the Common Core, it is absolutely essential to true Catholic education.
Common Core Standards Confine Educators
With Catholic education, teachers are free to be innovative and partner with the child's primary educators – his or her parents. Common Core is a threat to the principle of subsidiary – parents know best what a child requires. Unfortunately, parents were not consulted in the design of the Common Core curriculum and have little say as to what their children are learning in their classrooms.
The Catholic Faith is Our Curriculum
Catholic schools already have a core curriculum -- the Catholic faith. The Common Core isn't needed in Catholic schools because our pedagogy already forms the whole child.
Unlike public schools, Catholic schools have no need for the Common Core curriculum. This is a good thing for our students because they aren't being taught only to succeed on a test or get their first job, but to be formed morally, spiritually, intellectually, and socially.
