Stop the Common Core Learning Standards in Illinois

The landscape of teaching is changing. I wish I could say that is for the betterment of our students, but in my heart of hearts, I know it is not. Due to the mandate to teach to the Common Core Learning Standards, the pure joy of learning is disappearing across the educational landscape in classrooms in the United States. We as educators honor diversity and the needs of the whole child. We as educators and parents realize that each child learns differently. As educators, the decisions we make about our students should be evidence and research based. The Common Core Learning Standards are not internationally benchmarked. Nor are they research and evidence based. Children are starting to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders in states who implemented these standards early. We the undersigned believe that a one size fits all educational approach is wrong for students. Educators and the public at large have not had a chance to voice their concerns, nor have public hearings been held. It may take years to know the devastating effects that these policies may have on a generation of children. Have we learned nothing from failed policies such as No Child Left Behind? Children are our most precious resource. These standards have the potential to do great harm to children. We ask that the Common Core Learning Standards also known as the Illinois Learning Standards be abolished in Illinois.