It's not about the standards, CG. Follow the money. Government. You're okay with the government calling the shots on curriculum? History speaks loudly, you're not listening... the German and Russian accents might throw you but LISTEN ANYWAY! Common Core is NOT mundane. It's dan-gerous.

" Part of the Common Core "standards" for third graders: government officials commands must be obeyed, and the wants of the individual are not important."
Is there a link to this?

Yes!!!

Hi Carol,
Common Core is evil. I just recently 'retired" from an elementary school where I worked for the last 10 years, mostly because of Common Core. (Other factors being a gun free zone, and having to watch, and practically be forced to participate in socialist behaviors, which I refused to do loudly. And some major disappointment in realizing how UNeducated teachers can be.)
With that said, I've read some interesting books on the subject: "Teaching Johnny to Think" Peikoff, "Credentialed to Destroy" Robin Eubanks (both I recommend). I've read some others that are escaping me at the moment, and many articles on the subject. (facebook page "Moms against Duncan" is also a good source of info.)
There have many discussion about Common Core in the gulch as well.
Common Core, although presented as a big positive in critical thinking and "career and college readiness" (whatever the hell that's supposed to mean..."make you all sheep" would be more accurate) is nothing more than teaching NOT to think, be eternally confused about everything, and don't bother asking too many questions, stay in line and be the same as everyone in your group.
Public schools be damned. Home school!
What are your thoughts? :)

Common Core is a disaster. The Federal Department of Education was started by Jimmy Carter with the same promise. The Feds just wanted to have common minimum standards. Sounded innocent enough. They have grown over the years to the point where little decision making is left at the local level. They are able to tie all mandates to the Federal money schools receive so they can't say no. Common Core starts off bad and will only get worse.

I think it's absurd for people to be seriously upset about something as mundane as a education standards. One of our kids (age 6) will go to public school this fall. We've interviewed them, and it seems like a good place. It's only a few blocks walk. I'm confident if we want them to not participate in some of the worksheets or testing they will accommodate us. These people making scenes about it at schools are using their kids as political props, not because they have some inherent interest in tests and worksheets but pure politics.