A Violation of the Common Core Standards

A Violation of the Common Core Standards
Sent to the NY Times.

In a press release announcing the launching of The Common Core State Standards ("States Receive a Reading List: New Standards for Education," June 2), former Colorado Governor Roy Romer is quoted as saying: "Common standards ensure that every child across the country is getting the best possible education, no matter where a child lives or what their background is."

Clearly, neither Gov. Romer nor any of those who reviewed the press release have mastered Standard L.3.1f: "Ensure subject-verb and pronoun antecedent agreement;" (grades 3-12) and Standard L.6. 1e: "Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person." (grades 6-12) (page 56 of the Common Core State Standards).

We are told that adoption of the Standards will ensure that Americans will be able to compete in the 21st century global economy. How can we hope to do this if we continue to make and allow inappropriate shifts in pronoun number?

Susan Ohanian
Stephen Krashen

Additional information:

Gov. Romer also served as superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District.

Press release, US Department of Education, "National Governors Association and State Education Chiefs Launch Common State Academic Standards"