Earlier this week, school choice champion Doug Tuthill argued at Rede​finED​.org that Common Core can help school choice. In Tuthill’s view, common standards merely “serve the same function as the operating systems in computers or smart phones” in that they provide a common platform that’s open to an “endless supply” of different applications (curricula, lesson plans, activities, etc.) that can be customized by users.


Responding at the blog, I argue that Common Core it not just an open‐​platform operating system. The Common Core‐​aligned tests (particularly college entrance exams) will essentially dictate content: what concepts are taught when and perhaps even how. It’s as though Apple told app‐​designers they could make any kind of app they want so long as all the apps perform the same basic function, operate at the same speed, and cost the same amount. Of course, they’re welcome to vary the color scheme.


In short, rather than complement school choice, Common Core undermines it.


You can read the entire argument at the Rede​finED​.org post.