Second in a series. 

Re: “Deciphering Culver City Common Core – Positively” 

How do you respond to an educator who says “we are madly testing right now”?

You say “Talk fast, and I will listen even faster.”

Dr. Katie Krumpe, assistant superintendent for the School District, the administrator in charge of the first-year Common Core experiment, was explaining the testing process.

“This is a new task, and it is all on line,” she said of the April-to-June exams.

“It has been challenging. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be challenged. It has been challenging. But in the year we are learning new standards, we are giving a brand new test, and kids have to take all of it on a computer.”

The reporter asked what appeared to be an uncomplicated question. But it was not.

Question: The testing applies to what grades?

“Third through eighth grade, and grade 11,” said Dr. Krumpe, who always speaks with vigor.

Hmm. Why that odd combination?

“That would be a federal government question,” a response supplanting the traditional education answer, “God only knows.”

The Common Core curriculum was installed in 45 of the 50 states this school year presumably to standardize education and derive a common manner of evaluation. With Common Core ideally, a “B” student in New Hampshire and a “B” student in Oregon would be equally well armed.

(To be continued)