Yes, there were "experts" on the committee who developed the
Common Core Standards, but the majority of them were content experts. Where were the people who could have explained to them that "Algebraic Thinking" is an abstract idea and therefore should be taught at an age when students’ brains have developed enough to manage this task? Further, the concepts these standards address have no bearing on the reality of children. Take for example, "CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.2 Solve addition and
subtraction word problems…" Children aren't expected to know how to read until Grade 3 and are generally just learning to count and understand the magnitude of a number while in kindergarten, yet we expect them to solve addition and subtraction word problems. Does anybody else see a problem here?
The Common Core, like so many of the reform movements in education (and other areas) today, came from a paper somebody published and then reporters start fanning the flames before it has gone through the proper review period. In other words, one person said this was a good thing, but we didn’t give the other 10,000 scientists the opportunity to study the data, replicate the experiment, and debate the topic. Just as many may recall a few years ago, it seemed that red wine was the new super-food, but since further research has been completed, it may not be as super as we originally thought… so too with the Common Core; it may have seemed like a good idea in the beginning, but once we started looking deeper, it may not be the best fit for our country.
Instead, what we need to do is develop a broad-based curriculum guide that has the final outcome in mind, and allow the pedagogical experts to determine the best way to get there. For example, probably the most important skill that people must possess is the ability to critically think (i.e., evaluate data and make a decision, hopefully correctly). For example, if reporters had been taught to think critically, they would know not to report on a research finding, when it is the first study to postulate an idea, thereby allowing the scientific community time to validate or invalidate the conclusions. Further, if politicians would stay out of education, there is a chance we could regain our rightful place at the head of the world.