CORE: Facts first, then opinions

There will likely be a great deal of discussion about the Idaho Core Standards during the upcoming legislative session. Before espousing a position on either side of this issue, I would recommend that you become educated on the facts. Many people have been given misinformation about what the Common Core is or is not. Much of that information has come from individuals who are only repeating what they believe they have heard. We’ve all played the “telephone” game, and know how stories can change when passed from one person to the next.

Don’t rely on what someone has told you in order to decide what you think about the Idaho Core Standards. Form your opinion based on facts. To find out what those standards are, contact the State Department of Education. To learn how the implementation of those standards is affecting the classroom, talk with some teachers. To voice your support or concerns, contact your elected official. They are the people who will ultimately determine what makes its way into our classrooms. When contacting a legislator or school board member, it will go a long way if you can present them with your thoughts based on facts, and not just what you have heard.

I believe that the more people understand the facts around the Idaho Core Standards, the more support there will be. Once these standards are fully implemented our students will be better prepared to succeed in life after high school. But don’t take my word for it … learn about it for yourself.

RICK JONES

Rathdrum