As the debate over Common Core standards and its implementation remains in full force, one of the most common questions among homeschool parents is whether their chosen curriculum meets Common Core standards or not. This article will provide a comprehensive description of homeschool curriculum that is not compliant with Common Core standards. It’s important to note that homeschool parents are never required to follow the Common Core standards, so there are a number of curriculum options available that are not compliant with the Common Core.
Which curriculum you choose depends on the educational expectations you have for your children. Different curriculums have different curricular focuses, so parents should read up on different curricula to determine which best meets their needs.
What is Common Core?
Common Core is a set of academic standards designed to improve the quality of education across the country. It sets standards in English language arts and literacy, mathematics, and, in some states, science and social studies. By setting national standards, proponents of Common Core hope to increase educational quality and reduce gaps between states.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a coalition of 45 states that have agreed to use the same educational standards. There has been controversy over the standards since its introduction in December 200
Opponents of the standards believe that it is too prescriptive and eliminates autonomy from local districts and classrooms, while advocates herald its increased expectations and improved access to higher education.
Homeschool Curriculum Not Compliant With Common Core
While the vast majority of homeschool curriculum providers have not entered the Common Core debate, some of the most popular curriculum on the market today does not use Common Core standards. Popular examples include the Abeka materials which are based around a more traditional, literature-rich curricula, as well as Saxon Math, which focuses on mastery of essential math principles and functions and is used in many public and private districts across the U. S.
Other popular providers such as Sonlight, which feature a multi-age approach to learning, or Key to Curriculum, which is a reviewer-based system, are also not compliant with Common Core standards. Many of these curriculums base their educational principles on those found in Protestant Christianity, while still others rely heavily on traditional educational methods or emphasize building Reading and Writing skills through classical works.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Homeschool Curriculum
When selecting a homeschool curriculum, there are a few factors that parents should consider: age and grade of the student, learning style of the student, and the instructional style of the curriculum. When reviewing curricula, parents should focus on curricula which address the age, grade, and learning style of the student. They should also look for instructional styles which match their expectations for their children’s learning.
For example, the Abeka materials are designed for students in grades K-12 and have a strong emphasis on language arts and math. Saxon Math is suitable for any grade level but is particularly strong in math and provides an incremental approach to mastering math skills.
Sonlight is an interdisciplinary, multi-level program which includes literature, history, science and electives, and is suitable for students of all ages.
What Questions Should Parents Ask About Common Core When Choosing Curriculum?
Before deciding on a curriculum, it’s important to research the standards set by the curriculum provider. Most companies provide outlines or samples of the material they offer, so parents can determine how well the material meets their educational objectives. It’s also important to research the backgrounds of the creators and instructors of the program to make sure that there is a good match between the instructional style and your goals as a homeschool parent.
Finally, it’s important to ask questions about Common Core compliance so that you know what to expect. Providers that align with Common Core standards will typically include their standards on their websites, and will be happy to answer any questions about their standards.
It’s important to remember that not all curriculum providers align with Common Core standards, so even if a provider does not have standards listed on its website, parents should inquire to make sure they know exactly what they’re getting.
Conclusion
While Common Core State Standards are quickly becoming common in public and private schools, homeschoolers still have the choice to use curriculum that is not compliant with the standards. Different curriculum providers have different focuses, so parents should research the material that they’re interested in closely to make sure that it is a good match with their educational goals. Furthermore, questions about Common Core compliance should always be asked to ensure that parents know what to expect.
By researching and asking questions, homeschool parents can make sure that the curriculum they choose meets their needs, regardless of whether it is compliant with Common Core standards or not.