Working in English class, sophomore Kathryn “Katie” Doman meticulously reads through a passage from an autobiographical slave narrative by Frederick Douglass and then proceeds to break down the themes and concepts. This exercise, which is supposed to prepare students like Doman for AP-style questions, also directly reflects Common Core standard 9-10.9, “Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance.” However, pushes to get rid of Common Core in Indiana have arisen, according to Indystar.com, indicating that the work students like Doman do in the classroom may be changed.

Indiana Republican Senator Scott Schneider has reintroduced a bill to eliminate the Common Core standards in Indiana, arguing that Common Core “dumbs down” Indiana’s former standards and causes education to go backwards in English, language arts and math.

If the Common Core standards are indeed revoked, Principal John Williams said he believes Indiana will go back to the standards Indiana had before Common Core was in place. The main difference, Williams said, is that the previous standards focused largely on content, while Common Core emphasizes skill.

English teacher Allison Malloy said she believes the previous standards gave teachers more freedom for teaching in the classroom.

“I think the Common Core, although it has good intentions, it may be pigeon-holing teachers more than the original intention,” Malloy said.

Doman said she also believes the elimination of Common Core would mean less restriction for teachers in the classroom.

“I think that some of the standards are important but others are not that well thought-out,” Doman said. “A lot of times, Common Core takes away what teachers think is important to learn. If teachers all have their own rigid set of standards then the lack of interpretation doesn’t make for an interesting or new experience.”

Williams said he feels slightly concerned about going backwards and reverting to the old standards. Though he said he is not in favor of Indiana moving away from the Common Core standards, he encourages the reviewing of the standards.
Malloy said she agrees that reviewing the standards is necessary. “Until further research is done, I think this is where the issue is coming from. We could have jumped on the Common Core bandwagon without it fully being tested out,” Malloy said.

“I think it’s always fine for us to look at everything we do that’s new or different and make sure it fits with what we’re doing,” Williams said. “I agree with the principle that there ought to be common standards addressed throughout curriculums as long as they do allow for local interpretation and implementation.”