Common Core Myths & Facts
Proponents of the Common Core State Standards often repeat a set of talking points designed to build public support. Below we address the most common claims and provide factual rebuttals grounded in the standards themselves and the record of their implementation in New York.
Common Myths vs. Reality
Myth
"The Common Core standards were developed by the states."
Fact
The standards were driven by private trade organizations — the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers — with heavy funding from the Gates Foundation. States were pressured to adopt them sight unseen to qualify for federal Race to the Top grants.
Myth
"Common Core is not a curriculum — it's just standards."
Fact
While technically labeled as standards, Common Core dictates what must be taught at each grade level in such detail that it effectively functions as a national curriculum. The aligned PARCC assessments further lock districts into a single instructional pathway.
Myth
"Common Core raises academic expectations and rigor."
Fact
Many parents and teachers report that the standards are developmentally inappropriate, particularly in early grades. The math standards push abstract concepts before children have mastered foundational skills, and the English standards reduce emphasis on classic literature in favor of informational texts.
Myth
"Parents and teachers support Common Core."
Fact
The opt-out movement in New York tells a different story. Tens of thousands of parents have refused high-stakes Common Core-aligned tests. Teachers have spoken out against the standards' implementation, and county-level resolutions opposing Common Core have passed across the state.
Myth
"Common Core protects student data privacy."
Fact
The data collection required by Common Core-aligned assessments raises serious privacy concerns. Student data can be shared with third-party vendors and researchers, and changes to FERPA regulations have weakened protections. The Electronic Privacy Information Center has flagged these risks.
Myth
"Common Core is internationally benchmarked to make U.S. students competitive."
Fact
The standards were not validated by any international comparison study before adoption. Experts, including Dr. Peg Luksik of Founded On Truth, have documented that the standards were rushed into place without evidence that they would improve outcomes.
What You Can Do
Knowing the facts is the first step. The next is taking action. New York parents can opt their children out of high-stakes testing, contact their legislators to support bills like A07994 and S06267 to discontinue Common Core, and push their county legislatures to pass resolutions against the standards — as Ulster County did with Resolution No. 350.
Stay informed through our Action Items page and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.