Understanding Conservative Views on National Curriculum: A Critique of Common Core
In recent discourse, the issue of a national curriculum has emerged as a contentious topic within conservative circles. While many argue in favor of a common set of standards to streamline educational processes and improve market efficiency, conservative opposition remains deeply rooted in principles and ideologies that make the case complex and multifaceted.
Separatism vs. Centralism: The Dichotomy of Ideological Stances
Central government control over educational standards often appeals more to statists, a term synonymous with the left wing of the Republican Party, rather than to traditionally conservative factions. Temperamental and Burkean conservatives, who hold a more traditional and organic view of society, represent a distinct and opposing faction within the conservative spectrum. Burkeans, who adhere more closely to a libertarian or laissez-faire economic philosophy, would be inherently opposed to the centralization of educational standards. In contrast, those conservatives who are more set in their ways may be open to such a system, provided they see no immediate threat to existing educational routines and rituals.
Education as a Culture and Not Just a Curriculum
Many conservatives believe that the essence of a school's impact lies in its routines and rituals rather than the specific content of the curriculum. For them, an efficient and effective education system should not be judged solely on the knowledge imparted but on the values and cultural norms that schools instill. A curriculum that only teaches process without providing useful knowledge is deemed inappropriate. This perspective underscores the belief that the form and structure of schools are crucial, while the specific content of the curriculum is secondary.
The Myriad of Opposition to Common Core
Conservative opposition to the Common Core State Standards can be viewed through the lens of both ideological and practical concerns. One of the central critiques is that conservative opposition to the Common Core is often perceived as inexplicable, given that the Tea Party, a vocal and often traditionally conservative political group, was among those against it. This opposition stems from a belief that the glorification of expert decision-making reinforced by a common curriculum mitigates individual freedoms and initiatives at the local level. Additionally, the perceived infringement on local control of education and the cost implications of maintaining such a complex system have further fueled this resistance.
Efficiency in Markets and the Push for Standardization
The argument for a national curriculum often hinges on the efficiency gained by standardizing educational benchmarks across the nation. In industries such as enterprise software, the presence of multiple standards drives up costs due to a lack of competition. Similarly, in the education sector, a multiplicity of standards leads to higher costs for textbooks and other learning materials. Imagine a scenario where each state had its own set of standards, leading to multiple regulatory bodies and standards. This would require manufacturers to meet and exceed each state’s standards, increasing costs astronomically.
Conservatives generally argue that free and efficient markets deliver the best products. They believe that local schools and educational approaches should be determined by communities themselves rather than imposed from above. The fear of a centralized and bureaucratic educational system is a significant factor in their stance against such initiatives. For them, the freedom for schools to innovate and develop unique educational programs is paramount, and the imposition of a one-size-fits-all curriculum could stifle this creativity and diversity.
Conclusion: A Struggle Between Tradition and Progress
The debate over a national curriculum is a struggle between the traditions of the past and the demands of the future. Conservatives are wary of any system that appears to compromise individual freedoms and local control. However, the push for a more efficient and standardized educational system is compelling from a market efficiency and cost-effectiveness standpoint. understanding these perspectives and the underlying tensions is crucial for both policymakers and educators to navigate the complexities of educational reform.