What's Wrong With Higher Expectations?

As a homeschooling mom I do not understand all of the fuss over Common Core?  One of the major factors in deciding to homeschool my daughters was the "No Child Left Behind" initiative.  A standard, intended to level the educational playing field, failed miserably on a national scale.  The basic principles of education have been replaced by standardized testing and political correctness.  Educational standards have been dumbed down to a  degree that parents should be legitimately concerned for their children's academic future.

I am shocked at the negative reaction of both school systems and parents regarding the implementation of Common Core standards.  Lately, I have seen an increase in TV commercials promoting the positive aspects of Common Core. On the other hand however, I have seen more negative press, bashing every aspect of Common Core.  My question is: "Why"!  What is wrong with implementing higher standards for our schools and our children?  

When my oldest daughter was in public school she had gym class twice as much as she had computer science. Children were reading biographies about New York Yankee players or Hollywood actors and calling is language arts.  In the state that I now live there is debate on wether or not "times tables" should be part of a child's basic education.  How far have we fallen in a generation of educational expectations?  When did we decide that “fair” is good enough for our children?  I know that “fair” was not good enough for my children.  No Child Left Behind is I why homeschool.

I am not so naive to assume that everyone can homeschool.  Some women absolutely can not homeschool, some families do not want to educate their children at home.  US families now have a chance to give their children a better education.  Common Core may not be perfect but it is a step up from the system that is now in place.  Expecting more out of our children is not a punishment, it is a duty as parents.  

As parents, we have an obligation to improve our children's future.  Challenge and hard work instills values and a sense of self-worth.  Both are qualities missing from today's Generation Y.  If we want to better the future of this country, the lives of our children and grandchildren, parents need not be afraid of the extra effort needed to make positive change in our children's lives.