Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Do as I say, not as I do. . .

Krashen has shared a perceptive insight from Susan Ohanian that reflects the incredible hypocrisy and senselessness of political approaches to educational commentary and reform (the patsed information below is provided directly from Krashen's emailing):

A Violation of the Common Core Standards

Sent to the NY Times.

**In a press release announcing the launching of The Common Core State
Standards ("States Receive a Reading List: New Standards for
Education," June 2), former Colorado Governor Roy Romer is quoted as
saying: "Common standards ensure that every child across the country
is getting the best possible education, no matter where a child lives
or what their background is."**

Clearly, neither Gov. Romer nor any of those who reviewed the press
release have mastered Standard L.3.1f: "Ensure subject-verb and
pronoun antecedent agreement;" (grades 3-12) and Standard L.6. 1e:
"Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and
person." (grades 6-12) (page 56 of the Common Core State Standards).

We are told that adoption of the Standards will ensure that Americans
will be able to compete in the 21st century global economy. How can we
hope to do this if we continue to make and allow inappropriate shifts
in pronoun number?

Susan Ohanian

Stephen Krashen

Additional information:

Gov. Romer also served as superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School
District.

Press release, US Department of Education, "National Governors
Association and State Education Chiefs Launch Common State Academic
Standards"