Consensus Study on Education

 

On Sunday, November 13, twenty members of the Arlington and Winchester chapters of the League of Women Voters met to discuss public education as part of the national consensus study.  We had been provided with materials to read beforehand about a proposed Common Core of Standards, which helped to prepare us for an informed discussion. 

 

Moderator Judie Muggia was assisted by Gloria Legvold, Susan Lewis, and Susan Verdicchio, all of the Winchester League.  Participants were asked to respond to a variety of questions about the role of the federal government in setting standards for students K - 12.  It was generally agreed that the national League of Women Voters should support a federally mandated and fully funded Common Core of Standards.

 

Members of Arlington LWV met with Winchester members, including Juanita Zerda and Cindy Bohne

 

The materials we had read indicated that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 had resulted in a state by state assessment in which each state could define what is meant by proficiency.  The result has been reports that assess as proficient vastly different levels of achievement.

 

Opponents of the Common Core of Standards warn that changing the existing curriculum would be expensive.  They also fear any loss of states' rights in determining educational standards.  Some  states are concerned that the CCS will not be rigorous enough. However, according to the CCS, any state that wished to do so would be permitted to add 15% more content to its individualized assessment tool.

Steering Committee members Susan Lewis, Judie Muggia, Jo-Ann Michalak and Tamara Leaf	Winchester LWV members Jean Batty and Senator Pat Jehlen	Steering Committee members Gloria Legvold, Susan Lewis and Judie Muggia,

 

In our discussion in November, there was some disagreement about how detailed the results of any assessment should be--whether at the state, the local, or the individual student level. There was also strong sentiment expressed that student test results should not be linked to teacher evaluation or merit pay.

 
The results of our consensus study and discussion, recorded by Susan Lewis and Susan Verdicchio, join the results of Leagues across the United States and will be the basis for formulating LWV US position and subsequent advocacy.

 

- Jean Herbert