Math and science must be emphasized. THOSE are where we need the help. History should take a distant second fiddle. History won't pay the bills. Common core came about because of whiny snivelling people crying for more accountability....they got what they were asking for and I hope they are happy. They got their wish.
Math and science needs to be emphasized and taught by great teachers who can get the students to love their subjects. Reading and language emphasized in early grades, then reading and math, then comes science and history to foster a respect for our country which is also important.
Please explain to me how we are now going to recruit AND RETAIN these "Great teachers" in schools where there are already blistering shortages. Please do this in the real world, and not pie in the sky fantasy-spinning. Because as it is, no one wants to pay teachers to teach children who do not have the home life, discipline or drive to learn.
Teaching is not only a job, sometimes it is a calling. For those teachers, they want to teach in the inner city because that is where they need the "really good" teachers.
Even though these children are often in "crisis environments" it doesn't mean that the parents don't care. They seek out help when they have bonded with a teacher. And that teacher can make a difference.
I was one of those teachers. I taught the children, and sometimes helped train parents. And it did make a difference. I loved my job.
