Nixon, Common Core and good books

In a Tuesday Southeast Missourian story by Ruth Campbell discussing Common Core, it was reported that many districts around the state have fully implemented Common Core standards for language arts and math.

However, as reported, if Gov. Jay Nixon signs HB 1490, it could change things. The bill calls for Common Core to progress while two work groups are created to develop new standards -- one for grades kindergarten through fifth grade and one for sixth- through 12th-grades.

I hope Nixon signs the bill, as this educational issue is becoming one of the most controversial issues of the day (along with Obamacare and EPA climate change) -- all in common because they are federal government-directed programs to the states.

The media, newsletters and columnists are now filled with informational criticism of the standards, such as the following from Glenn Beck's book "Conform":

"Back in 2009, the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the two private groups most responsible for writing the Common Core standards, convened a group of twenty-nine education experts -- mostly professors and teachers -- and asked them to review and verify that the new standards would create 'college and career ready' students.

"Stanford professor emeritus James Milgram was the only mathematician on the Common Core Validation Committee, and he refused to sign off on the proposed standards because he believed they were too weak. In testimony to the Texas legislature, Milgram explained that the standards were 'in large measure a political document that ... is written at a very low level and does not adequately reflect our current understanding of why the math programs in the high-achieving countries give dramatically better results.'

"One of Milgram's objections was that the standards instruct schools to not teach algebra until ninth grade. Milgram and other experts note that saving algebra until high school means that students won't be introduced to precalculus until college (assuming they even choose that route)."

Federal money ($4.35 billion) and points were given to the states that adopted the standards with little legislative or public input.

I recommend all proponents and opponents read the Beck book on the subject -- especially local educators who know much more on this subject than I do.

Beck is opposed to the standards but does a good job of giving the historic background on educational issues in general, including some surprising data on some of the countries whose students rank dramatically over our students in math and English. (Note: "Good teachers are the key to a good education".)

Surely we all know that something is wrong with the results of our current educational system, and as one of the components of a strong country an open discussion should be welcomed.

I hope that I am able to be presented with the proponents' positive expectations and results that support their expectations.

In her article from Tuesday, Campbell quoted both Cape Girardeau Public School District superintendent Jim Welker and Jackson superintendent Ron Anderson as being currently supportive of the Common Core Standards but also open minded to explore any prepared changes from the panel.

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A lot of people have wondered why I now have a beard. After a bout with 104.7 degree temperature (pneumonia) in January and then back surgery Feb. 24, I grew a beard and my wife said, "That's sort of interesting." It gave me an excuse not to shave. So it's become permanent (sort of).

FYI -- 25 percent of all men have some form of facial hair.

Being limited in physical activity, I've been reading a lot (always did, but even more so now). Some books I've particularly enjoyed were:

1) "The Monuments Men" This is a true story of the stolen and hidden artworks for Hitler during WWII. A good movie, but the book is much better.

Note: Today is the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Europe.

2) "The Lone Survivor," another true story of rescue attempts and human exploits during a mission in Vietnam.

The training to become a Navy SEAL is unbelievable and worth the time spent reading the book.

Also, a movie first released to DVD this week (the movie is great, the book is better).

3) Seems like most news I've been reading (or viewing) recently is somewhat depressing (even the Cardinals). So I was delighted to read the new book by Dr. Ben Carson, "One Nation."

His life story is inspirational and is example-setting for the younger generation. Each chapter is headed by a quote from Proverbs. Carson not only describes some of today's political and economic problems, but makes plausible suggestions on how to deal with them.

His low-key guidelines on how liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans should communicate with each other to come to accommodation and positive compromise on issues, without giving up one's principles, is a must read for all.

Gary Rust is chairman of the board of Rust Communications, which owns the Southeast Missourian, as well as a member of the editorial board.