Article 2: The Mathematical Argument: Proponents and Opponents of a Standardized Core

The release of the Common Core State Standards by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) refocuses national attention on a long-standing debate: the same education standards for all students across all states in the U.S. (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices 2010). Although the Common Core State Standards are expected to eventually address all four of the traditional core subject areas, mathematics and English language arts are the areas of initial focus. This narrowed focus was due to perceived deficiencies in student achievement, as well as the foundational nature of these subjects as compared to others. The release of this document signals a need to revisit how the nation came to be at this critical juncture, and analyze the arguments for and against such standardization, particularly for mathematics.