Fordham Foundation critiques Washington State education standards and curriculum alignment

During a recent meeting of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee, discussions centered on the effectiveness of Washington State's educational standards and assessment systems. A representative from the Fordham Foundation highlighted that while the English language arts standards were rated as excellent, the math standards were deemed a step backward compared to the 2008 standards previously established in the state.

This evaluation has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the state's educational framework. Concerns were raised about the current assessment system, known as the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), which some believe does not accurately measure student learning or align with the curriculum being taught. The representative emphasized that the curriculum appears to be overly focused on preparing students for these assessments, rather than fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the limitations of state standards, particularly regarding the adoption of alternative teaching methods like Singapore Math, which some parents have advocated for. The representative argued that if the state standards remain tied to the Common Core, then innovative approaches like Singapore Math may not be utilized effectively, as they do not align with the current standards.

As the committee continues to explore these issues, the potential for revising educational standards and assessment methods could significantly impact how students learn and succeed in Washington State. The meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that educational practices meet the needs of students and prepare them for future challenges.