Often times we do not associate an education policy as having a direct effect on economic growth in Michigan, but this time it is different. Common Core in Michigan is having a detrimental effect on our children as well as our economy.
In a time that Michiganders are swamped by unnecessary costs and regulations, Common Core provides an unnecessary burden on the average family. According to Fox News, states that implement Common Core “will spend up to an estimated $10 billion up front, then as much as $800 million per year for the first seven years that the controversial program is up and running. Much of the cost is on new, Common Core-aligned textbooks and curriculum, but the added expenses also include teacher training, technology upgrades, testing, and assessment. The figures are taking states by surprise.” [1]
This is money that Michigan cannot afford to spend, especially since it lacks a payout on its investment.
Common Core education will not even be fully funded through grants or initiatives presented by the federal or state governments, but rather by you the taxpayer. An example of this is California where California is only receiving $104 million from the federal government to pay for the $2.2 billion dollar program. [2]
Not only are taxpayers footing the bill, but they have had no say in its implementation. If taxpayers had a choice as whether or not to fund Common Core standards many states would no longer advocate for the program.
Common Core is highly unpopular throughout the country. In 2013 support for Common Core was at 65%, but as the public became more informed to the plan its popularity fell below 50% in 2015. [3]
Not only is Common Core unpopular among parents and families, but teachers are standing up to the government initiative. Common Core’s approval rating among teachers dropped a staggering 30 points from 76% in 2013 to 46% in 2014. [4] As the trend continues, Common Core will be underwater among its popularity with students, families, and teachers; a staggering statistic.
If Common Core costs taxpayers millions and is highly unpopular, why would we want it in Michigan? Instead of curtailing to educational bureaucrats and Union representatives, let’s support our neighborhood schools and local teachers by getting rid of this disastrous program.
Luckily, we have an opportunity to do just that in the state of Michigan.
State Senator Colbeck has put forth a bill, Senate Bill 826, which simply states by enacting this (bill), “this state terminates all plans, programs, activities, efforts, and expenditures relating to the implementation of the educational initiative commonly referred to as the common core standards.” [5]
Michiganders deserve a break from unfair taxes that go towards paying for failed programs. Our children deserve better than a failed federal government program. It is an insult to our kids, parents and teachers.
[1] – “High cost of Common Core has states rethinking the national education standards,” Fox News, 2/5/14
[2] – “States’ taxpayers left to pay for Common Core,” Education Views, 1/26/14
[3] – “Support for Common Core continues to wane,” The Brookings Institution, 9/15/15
[4] – “Common Core support in free fall,” U.S. News, 8/20/14
[5] – “Senate Bill no. 826,” 3/1/16
[…] we have posted before, the education curriculum, Common Core, is a disaster for Michigan and our children. […]