Massachusetts Board of Ed votes on the Common Core tomorrow

If you haven't yet sent in your thoughts to the Board of Ed on Massachusetts adopting the Common Core, today's the day to do it! They vote tomorrow at their meeting at 8:30 am in Malden.
The Boston Globe (no big surprise) weighs in favorably today, as did former commissioners of education Antonucci and Driscoll yesterday. (Driscoll is now on the board that's organizing a national test, so suffice to say he has a vested interest beyond Massachusetts on this one.) You might also note how extensively current Commissioner Chester is quoted in the Globe editorial. Alas for the sharp eyes of the Fourth Estate!

Governor Weld weighs in against today, 'though his concern primarily seems to be protecting the MCAS against all comers. This continues the myth that the teachers' union is in favor of adopting the national standards (I've seen no such indication from anyone; have you?) as it would purportedly weaken...something. As Weld is supporting Charlie Baker's run for Governor against Patrick, there's some election year bluster in there, too.

Unfortunately, most of this misses the central point, which is that Massachusetts has a good set of standards. The Massachusetts frameworks, which cover all subjects, K-12, were prepared over much time, with a great deal of effort, and with much consultation of those who know the subjects, those who teach the subjects, and those who value them. The weaknesses of the current testing regime aside (and you know I don't say that lightly!), to set aside a solid, well-worked set of standards while harring off after national--and weaker--ones, is a mistake.

It's one I very much hope the Board of Education doesn't make.