Common Core Blamed for Plunge in New York Standardized Test Scores

Teachers worried they'll be targeted... because it doesn't look like they're doing their jobs

The release of New York state test scores showing steep plunges in mathematics and English/language arts proficiency from last year has state officials and educators grappling with the growing influence of the common core on standardized-test performance.

Education officials in the Empire State say this year's scores, released Aug. 7, on tests aligned for the first time to the Common Core State Standards, give schools a more accurate and honest picture of whether students are being adequately prepared for both postsecondary studies and the labor market.