Losing local control

On Monday the Southeast Missourian printed an article by Phillip Elliott of The Associated Press, "Critical thinking hallmark of Common Core class," where he attempts to disguise his opinions as "news." He obviously supports the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI), referring to those who oppose them as "tea-party-aligned conservatives." If that's the case, I'll proudly wear that badge.

Elliott admits that CCSSI was created by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers (not states!). That is true enough. He neglects to mention that these are private organizations and the standards are copyrighted, leaving local districts little power to change them. Schools can modify only 15 percent of the material.

He further states that the standards are not curriculum. That is also true. What he does not say is that the standards must dictate curriculum. Should teachers fail to teach to the tests, students will have no chance of passing them. Currently, the ACT and SAT are being rewritten to conform to CCSSI standards.

Elliott ignores the 400-plus data points that will be collected on families with this initiative. And the pornographic material as recommended reading for secondary students. And the elimination of cursive writing from the curriculum.

See for yourself how we are losing our liberty with CCSSI at http://missourieducationwatchdog.com/.

Please plan to attend a presentation hosted by Concerned Women of America (for Missouri) in Chaffee, Mo., at the Chaffee General Baptist Church, 319 N. 5th St., at 7 p.m. Saturday.

ESTHER BOHNERT, Jackson