We are all familiar of the Greek Mythology that tells the story of Hydra, the serpent-like water monster with reptilian traits. Hydra had many deadly heads its attacker had to contend with in battle. As one of Hercules 12 labors he was to defeat Hydra.

The overall concept behind the common core standards is to prepare students for a competitive economy on a global scale. While this focus is in tune with the shift toward an international standardization of education, many claim there are many disadvantages of common core.

Teachers and educators can identify the issues of common core state standards (CCSS) and learn ways of making common core easier with digital learning technology.

Identify disadvantages of common core standards

• The methodology of teaching using common core state standards is initially a difficult transition for many teachers and educators, as the new learning environment required for CCSS is different than what educators have previously experienced.

• Students are equally unfamiliar with the new learning methodology in the classroom.  Common core state assessments are completed online, requiring students to develop a familiarity with a new level of digital learning they may have never been exposed to before. These transitions for both educator and student make adjusting to common core a slow process.

• One goal of common core is to establish a uniform national benchmark for assessing students. Previously, states mandated their own assessment standards. Common core has taken a middle ground approach, which results in many state standards being raised, while some state standards fall.

• Due to a more rigorous methodology with core curriculum, younger students as early as kindergarten are required to process learning materials that they would otherwise be exposed to at a later grade.

• Previous standards of learning are becoming outdated with common core standards due to emphasis on critical thinking skills, problem solving, collaboration skills, and creativity. Students are required to show how they come up with the answer with core curriculum, rather than selecting the correct answer, as was the practice before.

• The textbook industry, as a multi-billion dollar industry, is making adjustments to fit the new common core assessment digital learning environment requirements. School districts are required to replace curricula, and accommodate the assessment requirements, increasing current budget constraints.

• Budgeting issues for educational institutions is always a big issue. As common core assessments are completed online,  many schools are being driven to make to hardware and software integrated upgrades in order to accommodate the new testing methods.

Technology offers solutions to the disadvantages of common core

In order for students to perform at maximum level at the time of assessments, they need regular and successful exposure to digital learning.

To lay a firm foundation before the assessment time they would benefit from the methodology of problem solving and critical thinking skills, which is guaranteed to prepare students more completely for workplace responsibilities.

State school districts no longer have to create their own standardized assessments, reducing budget expenditures, and can collaborate with other educators anywhere across the nation, sharing their best practices.

As more states implement technology to maximize common core success, improvements will be administered that are guaranteed to work.

Eventually, successful technology will be implemented to standardize the educational standards across the nation, and help America continue to be the leader on a global scale.

Investing in digital learning technology will establish the foundation for continued improvements to CCCS over time. 66 percent of time is spent on classroom instruction, and 33 percent for assessments. Core curriculum and technology will only improve learning for all students.

While the disadvantages of common core are significant and difficult to assess, it is evident that the technology of digital learning is guaranteed to fulfill the ultimate goal of CCSS.

Common core and technology go hand in hand to the successful maximization of preparing students for a competitive economy globally.