Should New Jersey Opt Out of Common Core Curriculum?

In 2010 the New Jersey Department of Education decided it would implement curriculum known as Common Core across its public schools.

The curriculum, which is shared by 44 other states in the country, has been rolled out in stages in the Garden State, but has not received unanimous support.

Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, New Jersey will be one of 23 states and the District of Columbia taking part in Partnership for Assessments of Readiness for College and Careers – better known as PARCC – that will test students on their knowledge and ability to comprehend the Common Core curriculum.

The testing comes with a cost, as it is computer based, and has been forced into individual school district's budgets. 

Just last week, however, Indiana made headlines by being the first state to opt out of the Common Core curriculum and is set to vote at the end of April. In February, the New Jersey State Board of Education, when faced with growing mentions of an opt out idea flowing through the state's schools, approved a resolution reaffirming its commitment to the standardized curriculum.

Do you think New Jersey should go forward with Common Core and ultimately PARCC, or opt out of the curriculum? Will the practice work hurt K-12 students in the long run?