I'm in Denver for the annual PIE-Net conference and had the pleasure of moderating a panel on the Common Standards effort with Mike Cohen, David Coleman, and Linda Plattner.
Not surprisingly, this audience of forward-looking, state reform advocates was fairly supportive of the notion of common standards (especially ones that look to be headed in the right direction). But the big message they wanted to leave us "national types" with was "You have to help us get this done!" Many of us, they explained, are going to be in for a huge uphill battle to confront the "local control" powers that be; the textbook industry that makes a lot of money off of having multiple sets of state standards to cater to; and the we-are-unique mindset on which many states pride themselves, just to name a few. This sentiment was echoed in the Q and A time, but several folks also approached me throughout the day (including in the elevator and the restroom!) to reiterate the type of help they needed. Some wanted timelines and roll-out plans for the whole soup-to-nuts initiative; some wanted on-the-ground technical assistance including a plan of how to sell this to their states; others wanted to hear the best and worst case scenarios of how this whole effort could pan out and reassurance that the standards architects had thought through how to prevent the latter.
One thing's for sure:?? A list of talking points from the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is not going to be enough to help state reformers bring common standards across the finish line. Credible, national organizations are going to have to roll up their sleeves and see this journey through with their state brethren. This is not a matter of "If you build it, they will come." It is a matter of "If you build it, they will need your help in keeping it upright."
