Common core cold feet.

• Author: Webster, Madeleine
• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONSpln - Common Core State Standards Initiative

The debate and the number of bills on the Common Core State Standards Initiative, set to launch in 2014, have heated up significantly this year. Grassroots groups on both sides of the issue have been active in several states, triggering a flurry of media attention. Lawmakers in 47 states have introduced 235 Common Core-related bills this year. At least 89 have been enacted in 36 states, addressing everything from funding to accountability to postponement of the plan.

Common Core, initiated in 2009 by the bipartisan National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, aims to keep American students globally competitive and college- or career-ready by the end of high school. Supporters hope to raise student achievement through uniform educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on English and math competency.

Backers of the initiative say it gives educators the first nationally standardized blueprint of the skills and knowledge students need to be competitive in today's global market. Adopting the Common Core Standards is voluntary, and the decision to participate usually has been left to state boards of education. These boards also usually administer the program, although Common Core affects a number of policy areas overseen by state legislatures, including tests, curricula and teacher evaluations.

Critics argue the plan gives the federal government too much control over local matters, may potentially invade students' privacy and costs too much. Alaska, Nebraska, Texas and Virginia have voted...