Anaya Nolan
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are learning goals in English/language arts and mathematics that were adopted by 46 states in 2010 and 2011. The standards were heavily promoted by Jeb Bush's Foundation for Excellence in Education, but it is unclear whether George W. Bush signed Common Core Math into law. George W. Bush did, however, sign the No Child Left Behind Act into law in 2001, which required states to test students' mastery of standards annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Core Standards | English/language arts and mathematics |
| Year of Launch | 2009 |
| States that Adopted Common Core | 46 |
| Backlash | Several states reversed their adoptions of the standards by 2015 |
| George W. Bush's Campaign Slogan | "Leave no child behind" |
| George W. Bush's Law | No Child Left Behind |
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What You'll Learn
George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind law
George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law on January 8, 2002, as a bipartisan update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The law aimed to raise expectations and improve results for American children of all backgrounds, providing them with a quality education.
The NCLB law scaled up the federal role in holding schools accountable for student outcomes, with a focus on ensuring that states and schools boost the performance of certain groups of students, such as English-language learners, students in special education, and poor and minority children. It required annual state assessments in math and reading in grades 3-8 to ensure that goals were being met for every child, with schools that failed to make sufficient progress receiving special assistance.
The law also required states to ensure their teachers were "highly qualified," generally meaning they had a bachelor's degree in the subject they were teaching and state certification. Schools were incentivized to meet these standards through the threat of losing federal Title I money.
Since the implementation of the NCLB law, there have been improvements in test scores, increased accountability, and a narrowing of the achievement gap between white and minority students. For example, since 2002, fourth graders have shown significant increases in reading achievement, and nearly one million more students have learned basic math skills.
However, by 2010, it was clear that many schools were not going to meet NCLB's achievement targets, with 38% of schools failing to make adequate yearly progress. This led to criticism of the law and calls for its revision.
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The role of Jeb Bush
John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, the former governor of Florida and a prominent figure in the Republican Party, has played a significant role in the development and promotion of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Jeb Bush, a member of the influential Bush political family, has been a strong advocate for education reform and school reform within the Republican Party.
During his two terms as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, Bush earned a reputation for his ambitious and transformative education agenda. He has been a vocal supporter of accountability and choice in education, believing that education reform is a civil rights issue. This stance on education put him at odds with some members of his own party, particularly those who opposed federal involvement in education and favoured states' rights.
Bush's Foundation for Excellence in Education actively promoted the Common Core standards, receiving significant funding from prominent charities and individuals, including Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Rupert Murdoch, and Pearson PLC. Bush's support for Common Core was seen by some as a continuation of his family's legacy in education reform, dating back to his father, George H.W. Bush, and his brother, George W. Bush, who also pursued education initiatives during their respective presidencies.
Jeb Bush's stance on Common Core became a contentious issue during his 2016 presidential campaign. While some praised his knowledge of education and his commitment to reform, others, particularly conservative activists, strongly opposed the Common Core standards. Bush faced criticism from within his own party, with some arguing that his support for Common Core could cost him the support of the Republican base. Despite this, Bush maintained his position, arguing that criticisms of Common Core were "easy attention grabbers" and emphasising the need for solutions to the problems in American education.
In conclusion, Jeb Bush's role in the Common Core debate has been significant. As a prominent Republican advocate for education reform, his support helped shape the conversation around Common Core, particularly within the Republican Party. While his stance faced opposition, it also highlighted the complexities of the issue, demonstrating how education reform can transcend traditional partisan divides.
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The 1989 Charlottesville summit
The summit was convened in response to concerns that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s about the state of American education policy. While test scores remained stable and most parents approved of local schools, policymakers worried that a lack of standards-based education policy was weakening the economy and preventing the US from competing internationally. These concerns were echoed in the 1983 report, "A Nation at Risk," produced by the National Commission on Excellence in Education, which warned that the American education system was falling behind its international competitors, threatening the nation's future prosperity.
- By the year 2000, all children will start school ready to learn.
- By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90 percent.
- By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography.
- Every school in America will ensure that all students learn to use their minds well so they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in the modern economy.
The summit was celebrated as a major accomplishment in federal-state cooperation and bipartisanship, although disagreements persisted after the summit regarding the implementation of the established goals. The policy goals reached during the summit influenced national education policy for decades, including the Clinton administration's Goals 2000 plan, the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, which built on the standards-based education policy goals developed during the summit.
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The National Governors Association
The NGA plays a crucial role in education policy. In the past, students across the country were held to varying standards, resulting in inconsistent educational outcomes. To address this issue, state leaders from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the NGA collaborated to establish unified learning goals, known as the Common Core. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) focus on English language arts and mathematics, outlining the skills students should possess at each grade level to ensure they graduate high school prepared for college, careers, and life.
The NGA's Centre for Best Practices is integral to this process. It is the only research and development firm that directly serves the nation's governors. The Centre facilitates multi-state pilot programs, convenes subject-matter experts, and hosts policy development forums across various program areas, including education.
The NGA's Let's Get Ready! initiative further supports governors and states in driving innovation and preparing students for future success. This initiative fosters collaboration between governors, parents, and educators to address educational challenges and find solutions.
The NGA also ensures that governors' perspectives are considered in federal policy formation. The Office of Government Relations serves as a liaison between governors, Congress, and executive branch agencies. They provide legislative analysis, track grant opportunities, and guide the implementation of federal policies, working closely with state and local government organisations.
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Common Core's political backlash
The Common Core State Standards, a K-12 curriculum overhaul, has faced a strong political backlash since its adoption by 45 states. The opposition to Common Core comes from various political ideologies, including conservatives, liberals, and libertarians.
Conservatives have been particularly vocal in their criticism, viewing Common Core as a top-down mandate from the Obama administration and an encroachment on states' rights. They argue that it undermines student individuality and teacher autonomy, with conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck claiming that it marks a "progressive bonanza" and will "destroy America and the system of freedom". The Tea Party branch of the Republican Party has also been critical of the standards, despite support from the mainstream business wing of the party.
Some liberals have joined the backlash, agreeing with concerns that Common Core creates a one-size-fits-all approach and undermines teachers' ability to tailor instruction to students' and communities' needs. They also criticise the emphasis on standardised tests and the potential for data collection under the new standards.
The role of the Bush family in the development and promotion of Common Core has also been highlighted. Jeb Bush, a Republican presidential candidate, was criticised by his own party for backing the standards. The Common Core standards were also seen as a continuation of George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind law, which was perceived as a failure and an extension of federal control over education. Donald Trump, during his successful presidential campaign, predicted that Common Core would "kill" any chance of a Bush return to the White House.
The backlash against Common Core has led to several states reversing their adoption of the standards and backing out of using associated assessments. The political opposition to Common Core highlights the complex nature of education reform and the varying perspectives on the role of federal government involvement in curriculum and standards.
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Frequently asked questions
No, George W. Bush did not sign Common Core Math into law. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were designed by Republicans and adopted by 46 states.
The Common Core is a set of standards for English/language arts and mathematics that describe the skills students should have at each grade level by the time they finish high school.
The Common Core State Standards were crafted by governors and chief state school officers, with input from organizations like the National Governors Association.
The Bush family has been associated with education reform and federal standards. George H.W. Bush, Jeb Bush, and George W. Bush have all been involved in efforts to implement national standards and curriculum for education.
The Common Core has had a mixed reception. While it has been adopted by a majority of states, there has also been backlash and criticism from educators, activists, and conservative and liberal groups. Some states have reversed their adoption of the standards.
