PPI releases Common Core report

13
Dec
2016

Study examines the importance of higher standards in New York State and highlights early successes

The Public Policy Institute of New York State, Inc. (PPI), today released a detailed report entitled, “Common Core: Here to Stay?”, which examines the importance of higher standards in New York’s education system and predicts where we go from here.

“The release of this report could not be more timely, as students across New York wrap up the second week of testing under the updated guidelines,” said Allison Armour-Garb, senior fellow for PPI. “What this report shows is that, despite our best efforts, today’s graduates remain woefully ill-equipped to compete for the job openings employers currently have available, and the careers of the future. The revamped state tests are designed to be better at testing the real-world skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking, that New York’s employers covet. The best preparation comes from the skills children are practicing in everyday lessons.”

Key findings of the report include the following:

  • A newly released Public Policy Institute survey of New York employers from across the state finds that the majority face a mismatch between the skills they need and the skills workers possess.
  • New York’s new learning standards emphasize the real-world skills that employers are looking for, like problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Teachers across the state say they are seeing exciting breakthroughs in learning, as children grasp the math concepts behind the algorithms and read more challenging, authentic texts across the curriculum.
  • Recent research shows that New York’s new state tests are the most transparent in the nation in telling parents and taxpayers whether or not our children are on track to college- and career-readiness.

“This report comes at a crucial time for elementary and secondary education in our state,” said Heather C. Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “Unfortunately, the so-called opt-out movement remains robust and runs counter to the objective everyone wants, which is to provide our children with the best education possible. I commend Ms. Armour-Garb for highlighting these critical issues and hope this report helps spur a dialogue among all the key players.”

The full report can be viewed here, www.ppinys.org/reports/2016/PPI-Common-Core-Here-to-Stay.pdf

Founded in 1981, The Public Policy Institute is a research and educational organization whose purpose is to formulate and promote public policies that will restore New York's economic competitiveness. The Institute accomplishes this mission by conducting timely, in-depth research addressing key state policy issues.

Governed by an independent Board of Trustees, The Institute is a non-partisan, tax-exempt organization. The Institute depends on the support of corporations, individuals, and foundations for its income, and does not accept any government funding.

The Institute is affiliated with The Business Council of New York State, Inc.