While private schools generally have more freedom from federal mandates than other local schools, they may still be affected by the Common Core initiative.
Here are five ways Common Core standards will impact private schools:
1. Private schools might not be eligible for federal funds if they don't use Common Core: Private schools generally have a lot of freedom in curriculum choices. Federal law, under 20 U.S.C. § 7886, says that private schools and home schools do not have to abide by federal education mandates — as long as they do not accept federal funds.
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While Common Core remains a state-by-state initiative, the White House has expressed an intent to tie certain federal funding to the adoption of Common Core standards. That would mean the acceptance of Common Core to accept funds.
2. Inclusion in longitudinal database development: According to the Home School Legal Defense Association, part of the Common Core initiative is the development of real "permanent record" in the form of a state by state database. These databases include public school student information. Private school students could also end up becoming a part of this initiative.
3. College admission tests will be tied to Common Core standards: Even if private schools want to reject the Common Core standards, they may have to change their teachings in order to better prepare their students for college entrance exams.
The College Board and the ACT have both been supportive and involved in the development of the Common Core initiative. Creators of both tests are changing their tests to align to the language and content of Common Core
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4. Vouchers for Private schools may be restricted: Some states have school voucher programs which allow parents to choose private school education using the money that would have been used to fund their child's education in a public school setting.
While each state with a voucher program is slightly different, most of the families eligible for these vouchers must have children with disabilities, meet income guidelines, or have a local public school that is performing low. Private schools accepting these vouchers may have to abide by Common Core standards in order to be eligible to receive the money.
5. Virtual schools are public schools: For homeschooling parents, the Common Core requirement may show up, but only if the family participates in a program that accepts federal funds.
For instance, virtual charter schools, which allow some parents to create a hybrid — public/home school program for their children are actually run through the local public schools. If the district managing that virtual program uses Common Core standards then so will that virtual school.
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