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Common Core learning standards are a major topic of debate in the U.S. 44 states, including Illinois, have adopted these standards. Supporters say the initiative will better prepare students for college and careers by inspiring more creative thinking and problem solving. Opponents fear they will result in excessive testing and a loss of local control.Illinois adopted the standards in 2010. So far, they've been applied to math and English language arts. New science standards have been approved for the 2016-2017 school year.These reports follow some of the Common Core movement we've seen in Illinois. Additional reports will be filed as this initiative unfolds.

Rockford Education Leaders Talk About Common Core

Susan Stephens
/
WNIJ

School districts are pressing ahead with implementing Common Core education standards. They’re required to start using federal standardized tests next year. 

In Rockford, school administrators and teachers union leaders are working together to create the curriculum intended to change the way children learn and are evaluated.

As part of our on-going collaboration, WNIJ’s Susan Stephens and the Rockford Register Star’s Corinna  Curry spoke about Common Core with two of the people tasked with making it happen: Rockford Schools Superintendent Ehren Jarrett and Rockford Education Association President Dawn Granath.

commoncorewebpost.mp3
Full discussion of Common Core: Ehren Jarrett, Dawn Granath, Corinna Curry, and Susan Stephens. 59:00

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.