Response: "Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts Instruction in Grades 6-12"

Before reading this article, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were only a set of guidelines spread out and organized by the federal government in an attempt to organize curriculum and allow teachers more freedom in the classroom. I always felt like CCSS were put in place to balance the effects of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. NCLB pushed teachers into a corner and made teachers feel as if their only option was to teach to the test, in order to keep jobs and  state funding in tact. However one aspect of the CCSS I did not like was the push to boost a public image of schools. The way the public regards a school should be reflected through individual student success and class success as a whole. I understand how CCSS can help students be more successful in opening up learning veins for teachers, but the "public image" needs to be about tangible proof.
The text did draw a bit on how 21st century life is much more complex, busy, and challenging in some ways than previous centuries, "with the demands of learning and living in the 21st century based on a knowledge economy" (Beach, Thein, Webb, 2012). It has become common knowledge that students now have more stress and a heavier workload than ever before in modern education. My own brother who is 5 years younger than me started learning algebra in the 3rd grade, where I didn't start until the 6th, in middle school. Education and curriculum are constantly changing, and at a rapid pace. Parents are unable to help students on homework come 9th grade, so forget going to a parent for help on you 11th grade calculus.
Overall, I believe that CCSS allow teachers to evolve with the curriculum, yet still have a say on what they teach, and how. Leaving this door open for teachers is critical to their own success as a teacher, and their students. I understand that everything from location to socio-economic status can change a students learning experience, and even their success. However CCSS can help teachers mold the curriculum to the student, instead of being handed pre-made material that every teacher is required to teach, no matter who is in their classroom.