The Common Core State Standards Initiative was enacted in 2009 in an attempt to prepare students for the future. It ensures that ALL students are not only taught grade-level mathematics and language arts, but that they learn those things, determined through rigorous testing.
While Common Core advocates intend well, the Common Core Initiative isn't working. It puts too much stress on quantity rather than quality. Teachers feel pressured into making sure their students score well so they can maintain their jobs, and students feel overwhelmed by the amount of study required to pass. This gives educators no wiggle room and stifles love of learning in and out of the classroom.
Please repeal or reform Common Core. We need more freedom in our classrooms in order for students to excel.