I've gotten a lot of feedback about my post yesterday regarding Achieve and its efforts (along with the NGA, CCSSO, etc.) to move states toward "common" standards. Many reformers in Massachusetts were glad that I expressed exasperation with the nomination of Governor Deval Patrick to Achieve's board, as they worry that he's determined to water down the Bay State's excellent academic standards. But many supporters of Achieve, and of standards-based reform in general, thought I unfairly maligned the organization, particularly with the over-the-top title for my post. Upon reflection, I agree, and regret the tone I took.
Here's what I should have??said, but didn't: For over??a decade, Achieve has been a stalwart supporter of standards, academic rigor, and higher expectations. Its leadership team, and especially its president, Mike Cohen, have been quite savvy about moving states incrementally toward more responsible positions on these issues. They understand the big debates swirling in education (around 21st Century Skills, etc.) as well as anyone, and have never indicated an inclination to back down from serious reform.
That's why I've been??experiencing "confusion," as I wrote.??Achieve has done such great work that I couldn't understand why it would let itself be co-opted by the NEA, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (which, as far as I can tell, is merely an extension of the NEA), and other forces pushing to dumb down education.
But I've heard from Achieve's supporters that I have it wrong, it isn't backing down at all, and it remains committed as ever to rigor and academic content. Which I'm glad to hear.
I still think that someone (Achieve? NGA? CCSSO?) needs to make a public statement explaining that the NEA had it wrong when it characterized the effort to create common state standards to be??part of the "21st Century Skills" movement. And I'm still a bit confused about the appointment of Governor Patrick to the Achieve board. But Achieve deserves the benefit of the doubt; it's earned it.
