Controversial Common Core Standards Progressing in Washington

Despite opposition from many Washington teachers and their union about new national education standards and the tests that will judge how they are being taught, the state is ploughing ahead with its plans to embrace Common Core.

Washington adopted the standards for math and English in 2011 and began using them in its public schools the following school year.

This past spring, tests being developed to gauge how well students are learning the new standards were piloted in Washington. During the 2014-15 school year, the new tests will be used instead of the previous state-developed testing system.

Washington teachers say they need more time to get used to Common Core before being judged on how well their students are doing.