Gates Foundation 'doubling down' on Common Core

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation says it is "doubling down" on its efforts to help teachers adapt to the Common Core education standards. "Far too many districts report that identifying or developing Common Core-aligned materials is a challenge, meaning that teachers spend their time adapting or creating curriculum, developing lessons, and searching for supplemental materials," Gates Foundation CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann writes in an open letter. "So, we're doubling down on our efforts to make sure teachers have what they need to make the most of their unique capabilities." Desmond-Hellmann admitted that the foundation was not prepared for all the changes schools faced under Common Core. "Unfortunately, our foundation underestimated the level of resources and support required for our public education systems to be well-equipped to implement the standards. We missed an early opportunity to sufficiently engage educators — particularly teachers — but also parents and communities so that the benefits of the standards could take flight from the beginning." Washington Examiner...