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High Expectations

Common Core and America's High-Achieving Students

Jonathan Plucker, Ph.D.
2.22.2015
2.22.2015

Gadfly editorial by Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Amber M. Northern

While the merit and politics of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have been much debated and discussed, one topic has been virtually ignored: What do the standards portend for America’s high-ability students? This brief addresses that question and provides guidance for CCSS-implementing districts and schools as they seek to help these youngsters to reach their learning potential. Four key points emerge.

1. Common Core is no excuse to ditch gifted services.
2. State and local officials should get rid of policies that hurt gifted students and strengthen those that help them.
3. Schools should work hard to make differentiation "real."
4. Schools should make use of existing high-quality materials that help teachers adapt the Common Core for gifted students.

  • Download Common Core and America's High-Achieving Students to learn more.
  • Read Can gifted education survive the Common Core? by Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Amber M. Northern.
  • Watch Can Gifted Education Survive the Common Core?.

Policy Priority:
High Expectations
Topics:
High Achievers
Standards
DOWNLOAD PDF

Jonathan Plucker, professor at Johns Hopkins University and past president of the National Association for Gifted Children.

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