Pastor Fred Luter - FABC

THE Pastor Fred Luter As the doors of the church open, as the glow of the greeter and usher smiles welcome you to Franklin Avenue Baptist Church (FABC)

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Inspired by His Word By Laverne Woods Dunn The impetus for love in action is God. The Bible says that for God so loved the world that we might have eternal life...

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Revitalization of Century-Old Building In Anticipation Of A New Fresh Food Market In Central Page 22-24

Common Core Standard for Our Children Page 25-29

Come celebrate our 2nd year of The Boulevard in publication!

A Vision of and for the City of New Orleans by Pastor Fred Luter

“It’s all about the Master”

As the doors of the church open, as the glow of the greeter and usher smiles welcome you to Franklin Avenue Baptist Church (FABC), the praise and worship choir along with the congregation call out for the glory of God to be present in prayer, while Min. Greg Carter shares a special word in his annoited way, saying to everyone, “Don’t you Stop Praising Him”, then you know that you are among people who love God. After prayer, a special welcome announcement is made to new visitors known as. VIGs, i.e. “Very Important Guest.” What a WELCOME they receive, A Blessed One in the form of “A word from God” in a ministering message from Pastor Fred Luter, Jr.” As the services proceed, Pastor Luter prays, “Lord I ask that as You increase, I decrease, I pray that You be glorified, satan is horrified, and sinners will come to repent,” then comes the WORD. The one thing that is unmistakable when in a conversation or in the services of FABC with Pastor Fred Luter, Jr., is the fact that he is a man of God that “keeps it real.“ He proclaims, “It’s not about the pastor; it’s all about the MASTER”. Pastor Luter recalls the horrific motorcycle accident that led him to make what he describes as a deathbed promise to God. This promise clearly defined the vision and purpose for his life, his city, 7,000-member congregation and his fellowman. Pastor Luter readily admits that his entire being is framed in terms of his relationship with God. Pastor Luter credits the church’s growth to his approach to getting individuals into

Franklin Avenue Baptist Church was originally an all-white congregation, but as whites moved out of the neighborhood, the congregation changed to mostly African Americans. In 1986, Pastor Luter took the helm and quickly went to work, creating an outreach strategy he referred to as “FRANgelism” (Friends – Relatives – Associates – Neighbors).

“One of our primary ministries, of course, is our Men’s Ministry. The goal of the Men’s Ministry is to develop men to be: spiritual leaders in their homes, committed leaders in the church, role models and mentors, witnesses for Christ, accountable to one another, good stewards, praying men, men of integrity, and faithful in the study of God’s Word.”

Pastor Luter focused his attention on bringing men into the church. He felt that if you could get the men to church, the women would come. “The man is the head of the family. If he comes to church, he’s going to bring his family with him”.

However, Pastor Luter never credits any success of his without first mentioning the love his life, the apple of his eyes. his “prime rib”, his wife Elizabeth. He is also quick to say that Friday’s belongs to her, and her alone, so don’t try to get with him, cause he’ll be on a date with his good thing.

With that as a backdrop, the Boulevard Magazine sought to have a conversation with Pastor Luter regarding his vision for New Orleans, the active ministries that impact the daily lives of the New Orleans community and his leadership role in the church, the nation, and the world. However, as The Boulevard Magazine prepared to write this article based on our interview, we believed that we would better serve our readers to approach it from the “balcony to the floor and from the pulpit to the door and beyond to include Pastor Luter’s recent tenure as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant Denomination in America. It consists of 16 million members in 45,000 churches.

All of this led us to attend one Sunday service, and one important question.

That question was “what is one of the most important message you want people to be aware of?”

His answer was in the sermon.

If I had a magic wand, I would hypnotize each of you to go to bible study and Sunday school each and every week, and to read your bible daily, for the value in knowing God for yourselves is priceless, knowing His WORD, and having that word anchored in your spirit daily would literally heal your wounds, fix your marriages, destroy strongholds and addictions, save your family, help you understand the power of repentance, save your soul and add prosperity in your life.

STUDY, show yourself approved, and put on the whole armor of God are the messages. This is such a simple message with a powerful meaning, and for in it lays the meaning of a personal relationship with God. It is having the word of God residing in your heart, so that you might walk the walk in confidence being able to recall God’s Word for any situation in your life.

The Boulevard: The opportunity you had to preside over the largest Protestant Denomination organization in American was obviously a milestone in your life.

Was it what you expected?

Pastor Luter: “I supposed what surprised me first, was that as an African American, I was chosen to represent an organization that is only 8% Black. I ran unopposed. It was truly an historical moment that I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life.”

The Boulevard: Having had the opportunity to travel the world, how do you feel about the different denominations and their relationship with God, moreover, is the world on the right side with God? Pastor Luter: “There is a definite a number of denominations across the world, and all of them are trying to reach God, however, according to the bible, there is only one way to God, and that way is through His son Jesus Christ.”

The Boulevard: The position of president of the Southern Baptist Convention is obviously a political one. How does one foster an agenda in that organization?

Pastor Luter: “The position of president of the Southern Baptist Convention is a position of influence not a position of power. The person in that position has no authority to dictate to churches how to manage their affairs. He or she does however have influence in the appointments made to other positions in the organization. In this way, the president can encourage certain agendas and steer the organization in certain directions.”

The Boulevard: How were you able to steer it, and where do you believe you steered it?

Pastor Luter: “To make evangelism and discipleship a priority in this convention.”

The Boulevard: What was the most difficult thing you had to deal with as president?

Pastor Luter: “The travel and the constraints on my time were the most difficult. I didn’t realize just how busy my schedule would be. I kept my promise to

my congregation at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church that I would be in our pulpit every Sunday morning. However, later on Sunday evening or first thing the next morning, I was on a plane going somewhere in the world to take care of Southern Baptist Convention business.

It was a teaching and a learning moment and I really appreciated the opportunity.”

The Boulevard: How did the members of your church feel about you being away from the church so much, and did they see any benefit in you being the president of that organization?

Pastor Luter: “Knowing my background, and knowing my street ministry, our members were excited to see their pastor in such a position. It allowed the other pastors of the church to step up and preside over different ministries in the church. We have about 25 different ministries at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and the pastors of these ministries realized their importance to the church. As a result, they became more involved in the church’s operations and better ministers, given that experience.”

The Boulevard: What do you consider the responsibilities are for the leaders of our community, from the Mayor on down?

Pastor Luter: “There is no doubt in my mind that all of the individuals in leadership positions, be they the Mayor, City Council persons, the police chief and especially the pastors, have a most important responsibility to this city. The citizens of New Orleans have put a trust in these individuals and expect them to lead us to

a better place and make a better place to live and work and play. They have a responsibility to our children to give them educational opportunities and growth opportunities and employment opportunities that will provide them with a better quality of life. This is not negotiable.”

The Boulevard: What do you see as a vision for our city? And how do we get there?

Pastor Luter: “A city where a people can get a good education, a good paying job, livable wages, a great place to raise a family and to worship in a God-fearing and exciting church. Besides that, New Orleans is a city with the best food in the World!”

The Boulevard: How do we get there?

Pastor Luter: “We can get there by way of the home, the church and the community working together to make a great city.”

The Boulevard: Do you feel that the City of New Orleans also benefited from your presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention?

Pastor Luter: “I hope the City benefited from that exposure. I am very proud to be from New Orleans and from the 9th Ward. Because of my exposure, whenever people come to New Orleans from around the world for Essence Fest, Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, or one of the many other activities that New Orleans has to offer, they want to see where it is that the leader of the Southern Baptist Convention is the pastor. Of course they also want to talk about the Saints Nation or the Who Dat Nation, and I am proud to talk about that also. I love my New Orleans, and I love my Saints.”

The Boulevard: Were there any changes that you were able to institute during your presidency that you feel were significant?

Pastor Luter: “As you know, the Southern Baptist Convention has always been a predominately white organization.

My hope was that as the first African American president of the organization, the organization would become more ethnic in its membership and groups of churches and that these individuals and churches would feel more comfortable being a part of the organization. After my election, I saw more African Americans in the audience, more Hispanics in the audience more Asians in the audience, etc. It seemed to give everyone a sense of here’s someone who is not Anglo, who is over this organization, and is inviting us to be a part of what God has given us. I therefore feel that my presence opened up doors to other ethnic groups to be a part of God’s word, while feeling comfortable in our organization.”

The Boulevard: Did Hurricane Katarina at any time cause you to question God? Pastor Luter: “I did not question God, but I must admit that I did get a little angry with God, when I saw the poorest areas of our city so devastated and affluent areas like the French Quarter impacted so little.”

The Boulevard: How then do you feel about God letting bad things happen to good people?

Pastor Luter: “This is a question that has been asked from the beginning of time and will probably be asked forever. When I travel, I am often asked why did that happen to your city and what did you do to deserve that? The fact of the matter is that we live in a part of the world where hurricanes happen. I think the important thing to take from this is the resilience of the people of New Orleans. We, by the Grace of God, have recovered better than anyone expected by this time, and we are continuing to become better.

Recently New Orleans was named one of the ten most livable cities in America, after experiencing, (less than ten years ago) the worst natural disaster in the history of our country. We’re not where we want to be, but we’ve come a long way. I tell people across the country, if God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it. Come to New Orleans and you will see a glaring example of what I’m talking about.

We’ve been through the storm and the rain, and now we’re a better place and a better people for it.”

The Boulevard: Given your background growing up in New Orleans, being in a motorcycle gang, and facing many of the challenges our young men face today, what would you tell our young men of today if you had the chance?

There is a lot of living to be done, but one must understand obedience. Your mom, your dad, the rest of your family and your community want the best for you. However, sometimes they are going to tell you things that you may not understand right now, be home at a certain time, do your homework, do not get involved with the wrong people. These are things that you may not understand the importance of right now. But they are important. And if you listen and are obedient, God will bless you with all of things you are seeking.”

The Boulevard: You mentioned that Franklin Avenue Baptist Church has outgrown its facilities several times.

What are your plans for the future?

Pastor Luter: “It is true that from our membership of 65 members to our Pastor Luter: “I would begin by telling present membership of approximately them that you cannot live your whole life in one day, or one week, or one year. 7,000 members, we have grown beyond what our building can accommodate several times. Our members, who are only able to stand wall to wall, attend many of our services. Because of this, we are once again in the process of purchasing a larger parcel of land, with plans to build a sanctuary that will efficiently hold the members of our congregation.”

The Boulevard: Finally, you are known for using some of your “Old School” grooves and moves. Is this a part of your way of keeping it real and down to earth?

Pastor Luter: “Yes, we have a lot of young people and young couples in our congregation, therefore from time from time to time I will go back to old school to remind them that there’s nothing new under the sun.”

Being thoroughly impressed with the vastness of his intelligence, with the comprehensiveness of his answers, and the graciousness of his hospitality at this point, not to mention, he seems to know his whole congregation by first name, we were thoroughly convinced that this “Man of God” leaves no doubt that he is truly committed to the growth of the kingdom of God, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, the community in which we live, and the city as a whole in need of more spiritual consciousness and love.

Obviously, to him, “To God be the Glory”, and “It’s not about the pastor, It’s All About the Master”.

Inspired by His Word

By Laverne Woods Dunn The impetus for love in action is God. The Bible says that for God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16).

When Jesus was questioned about the greatest commandment of the law in Matthew 22:37-38, He replied, 37 And He said to him, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. 38 This is the great and foremost commandment.”

We were instructed to LOVE, not fix, not convict, but LOVE. This article focuses on the formation of ministry by exploring a perspective whose purpose is to live a life that intentionally stirs up love and good works that aids in motivating the transformation of thoughts, beliefs, and actions of those encountered on the journey of life (Hebrews 10:24, Bible New International Version). This intentional living to stir up love and good works, help others to concentrate and review their strengths instead of their flaws or weaknesses. There is a quote by Edward Everett Hale that epitomizes my feelings as well. He declared to the world, "I am only one but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” My response is, "what will I declare? I choose to declare that I will live a life of love in action!" I am a missionary.

Although, I see the life of a missionary as a calling from God, it is a call to heal others. This is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1:3 which explain how the God of all comforts will comfort us as we go through situations and we in turn will be a source of comfort to tell others (Amplified Bible). Being a comfort is healing. I am convinced it is not an extraordinary gift, but is inherent in those who have an encounter with God. From this purpose flows obedience to the Great Commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

MATTHEW 28:19-20

Three projects currently reflecting love in action: C.H.E.S.S - an educational advocacy support service project Creating Holistic Educational Student Support (C.H.E.S.S.) was established to provide educational advocacy needs of individuals or families in Louisiana. C.H.E.S.S. participates in direct outreach and trainings to community and homeless agencies, families, individuals, legislators, school administrators and other agencies in need of educational advocacy services.

For further information, contact either Laverne Dunn or Sabrina Mays-Montana at chess.advocacy@gmail.com or 504-231-9613.

Hope for Haitian Children Foundation (HFHCF) Presently, I serve as Board Chairman of the Hope For Haitian Children Foundation, Inc. It is an organization whose efforts are to provide fundraising activities in our mission to support Foyer Espoir Pour Les Enfants (FEPE) orphanage and Ecole Foyer Espoir (EFE) School in Port Au Prince. Haiti. Because of the 2010 Earthquake, the orphanage has 35 children in residence from ages 18 months to 15 years old. 178+ children attend the school for the orphanage ranging in grades Pre-K to Seventh. The orphanage consists of children who are totally orphans, others were given away by their parents when they could not take care of them and some have grandparents who cared for them who are now too old to continue their care. Last summer, I had the opportunity to spend 11 days at the orphanage interacting with these precious children and their founder, Marie Jose Poux. Sister Marie Jose is determined that these children will live in an environment of quality and dignity as proud Haitian citizens.

For further information or to support HFHCF, go to www.hopeforhaitianchildrenfoundation.org, or 1-404-543-3318 / 1-954-263-3008 P. O. BOX 1139 - REDAN, GEORGIA 30074- EMAIL: hfhcf@yahoo.com A 501 (3) (c) NONPROFIT (ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE) MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO HFHCF

Surge and Other Foreign Mission Trips I recently returned from Nairobi, Kenya on July 3, 2014. Praise God with us for a mission accomplished (Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is heaven. John 5:16). We had such a fantastic time ministering Matthew 25:35-41 with numerous hands-on ministry opportunities, including sharing your testimony, praying for the sick, and participating in children’s ministry. The purpose of this mission trip was to providing teams to assist Bethany in their global church planting initiative. We met and worked alongside a Surge church (Nairobi Lighthouse Church) to grow and strengthen their ministries of the many churches that have been planted over the past twenty-seven years.

For further information or to go on a mission trip, either go to www.surgeproject.com or contact Laverne Dunn at 504-231-9613.

I challenge you to put your love into action TODAY. Much love to you!

Laverne Woods Dunn was born in Livingston, AL on February 14, 1950 and has been a New Orleans resident since she was nine months. She is the oldest child of twelve siblings. She was married to the late Richard Dunn, Sr. She has two children a daughter, Rishana, a married son, Richard and four adorable grandchildren. When not traveling, she attends Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 1230 Desire Street, where the pastor is Dr. Calvin W. Woods, Jr. She teaches Sunday School, serves in Home Mission and Foreign Mission efforts to encouraging youth to serve.

Alembic Community Development Marks Milestone in Revitalization of Century-Old Building

In Anticipation Of A New Fresh Food Market In Central City Alembic Community Development topped off the last bracket on the roof in itsrenovation of the century-old former Myrtle Banks school, which will soon open as a fresh food and commercial hub on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City for community residents and surrounding neighborhoods. The ceremony was followed by guided tours, which allowed guests to view the revitalization of the once blighted historic New Orleans building. ”Alembic is thrilled to have reached this significant milestone in the reconstruction of this beautiful historic building. We thank allof our funding partners and development team members, and look forward to project completion and the opening of Jack & Jake’s Public Market and office space on

the building’s third floor in partnership with the Creative Alliance of New Orleans,” said Jonathan Leit, director of Alembic’s New Orleans office.

Originally constructed as a school in 1910, the century-old building closed in 2002 and suffered a dramatic fire in 2008, which left it exposed to ignificant

deterioration. Alembic Community Development acquired the entire 65,000 square foot city block in 2011with the goal of revitalizing the historically significant building and transforming it into a mixed-use anchor on the Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard commercial corridor.

Construction began in June 2013, with an opening planned in fall 2014.

“Restoring the former Myrtle Banks School provides fresh food access and serves as an important economic anchor for the Central City neighborhood,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “This investment is not only an opportunity for economicgrowth and job creation but also an example of the strategic partnerships that are revitalizing our commercial corridors throughout the city.”

The project’s centerpiece will be a 23,000 square-foot fresh food market operated

by Jack & Jake’s, Inc., a New Orleans‐ based food hub that brings regional food into underserved markets, including public schools, neighborhoods and retail customers. On the third floor of the revitalized building is 9,300 square-feet of office space targeting the creative industries, nonprofits and small businesses, which Alembic is offering in collaboration with CANO. In addition, approximately 10,000 square feet of open spacesurrounding the building will offer outdoor areas with ample seating and programming to further open the market into the community.

“CANO looks forward to the third floor becoming a creative space where collaboration among technical and creative professionals and artists in all of the major creative industries fields including visual, performing, media, design, literary and culinary arts will thrive, all within the beautiful restoration of this historic school building in one of the city’s most important cultural, business and residential hubs, Central City,” said Jeanne Nathan, executive director of CANO. The Jack & Jake’s Public Market will focus on providing regionally sourced fresh food at affordable prices to the underserved markets of Central City and nearby neighborhoods. The revitalization of the building will also serve as a gateway for a newly thriving commercial corridor on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard and will create significant growth-oriented employment opportunities at the food market.

NORA is excited to partner with Alembic Community Development in the revitalization of the former Myrtle Banks School,” said Jeff Hebert, executive director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. “This once blighted building that many thought could never come back is not only back, but is also a much needed fresh food destination. This is an outstanding example of the projects we support through our Commercial Corridor Revitalization Program.”

“This development has already proved to be a progressive step in the right direction for our city,” said Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell.

504-569-0014

For more information about the project or Alembic Community Development, please contact Jonathan Leit email: jleit@alembiccommunity.com

NOJO and SoFAB Under Construction The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is a performing-arts organization whose goal is to strengthen the business of Jazz through performances, tours, recordings, education and media platforms. Founded in 2002 by trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader Irvin Mayfield, NOJO’s first building project, 1600 O.C. Haley, The New Orleans Jazz Market, will open in Spring 2015 as a performing arts venue and Jazz community center in Central City New Orleans. The Irvin Mayfield School of Music is currently planning new Jazz education and advancement initiatives for the Jazz Market, which will be announced later this year.

The Southern Food and Beverage Museum also known as SoFAB, is the awardwinning, unique museum of culinary culture and history, has plans for moving into 1504 O.C. Haley Blvd.- the former Dryades Market. The building will be converted into space that will include the Museum of the American Cocktail the Leah Chase Louisiana Gallery. The Gallery of the States will feature exhibits which transport visitors on a culinary journey to the other states of the South and the District of Columbia. SoFAB will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new space on September 29, 2014.

As we gear up for the next edition, we want to extend this advertising opportunity to you, to be a part of this well produced publication. Our seasonal issues of

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By: Dr. Raynard Sanders The latest scheme from the corporate reformers is that every state needs to adopt the Common Core Standards. As the corporate reforms have claimed numerous times in the past, adopting these standards will dramatically improve the student achievement for “all� students.

Over the past few months the adoption of the Common Core has gotten tons of media attention. Those supporting and opposing the Common Core are daily debating the spectacular claims made by Common Core proponents Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, State Superintendent of Education John White and corporate reformers.

The Common Core Standards is another idea manufactured by a powerful group of wealthy individuals in this country whose mission is making public education a profitable private enterprise while controlling what students go to what schools. In making their pleas, proponents state that adopting the high learning standards in the Common Core will increase student achievement and make our children globally competitive. Their well-financed and crafted campaign gives the public the impression that our public schools either have inadequate learning standards or no learning standards.

As usual they have camouflaged their real motives under the guise of reforming our public schools. In telling their story they are leading the public to believe that the Common Core Standards are nothing more than standards, of course no one would argue that our schools don’t need high learning standards.

The reality is that the Common Core Standards are more than just standards, it is a curriculum and more senseless standardized testing that the corporate reformers wants every public school to adopt and follow religiously.

There are also numerous serious concerns regarding these standards that are too lengthy to discuss in this article. With that I’ll explain what I consider the major flaws with the Common Core Standards.

I. The Common Core continues a reliance on standardized testing.

Once again standardized testing is the magic bullet that will make our children smarter and teach them how to read. However the reality is that every major national and international professional research and education association opposes the way we use standardize testing in America especially Louisiana.

Jay Heubert professor at Columbia University stated that “One test does not improve learning any more than a thermometer cures a fever…we should be using these tests to get schools to teach more of what we want students to learn, not as a way to punish them.’’

For more than 20 years we have using standardized testing, in fact Louisiana tests more than any state in the country. Despite all of money we have spent and basically taught the test to the children in Louisiana our students continually score poorly compared to other states and countries that don’t use standardized tests or use it in a limited fashion.

(Can you rework this 1st sentence?) The new standardized test of the Common Core will test students in elementary school for 7 hours to determine if they are proficient in reading and math. That seems a long time when you consider that a student seat time for the GRE (a test which students take to determine their readiness for graduate school) and the SAT testing for college admission are each 3 hours and 45 minutes.

II. The Common Core Standards are not grade appropriate.

Last school term, New York was one the few cities to begin the implementation of the Common Core. Principal Elizabeth Phillips of Public School 321 noted the following; Common Core’s tendency to push difficult academic skills to lower grades, the inappropriateness of the early childhood standards, the incorrect sequencing of the math standards, the mix and type of mandated readings.

The Common Core Standards will require younger students to learn more at a quicker pace than they ever have before. With the increased rigor and higher level thinking skills, early childhood programs will become more rigid. Children as young

as 8 were asked several questions that required rereading four different paragraphs and then deciding which one of those paragraphs best connected to a fifth paragraph. There was a strong emphasis on questions addressing the structure rather than the meaning of the texts. There were strikingly few passages that included urban settings. Most importantly, those of us who are professional educators cannot figure out why we need to test for three days to determine how well a child reads and writes.

Problems with the grade appropriateness of the Common Core was also cited by Brookings Institution Scholar Tom Loveless, a national expert on this topic in a recent a research paper: “Predicting the Effect of Common Core Standards on Student Achievement.” In this paper, Loveless reviewed the research and assessed the chances of the Common Core Standards to make a difference. Loveless concluded that the Common Core is another big disappointment that we should have figured out a long time ago.

III. The Common Core Standards was not developed according to national and international standards.

The Common Core was written in a manner that violates the nationally and internationally recognized process for writing standards. The process by which they were created was so fundamentally flawed that these “standards” should have no legitimacy. There is a recognized protocol for writing standards, and the Common Core standards failed to comply with that protocol. In the United States, the principles of standards setting have been clearly spelled out by the American National Standards Institute. The Common Core Standards were hurriedly forced on states over a two-year period by an aggressive corporate funded campaign and for many states it was a stipulation in their application for the federal Race to the Top grant. Some states, including Louisiana, adopted the Common Core sight unseen before they were written.

IV. Common Core Standards were written by and large by education profiteers.

The National Governors Association, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and Achieve, a private consulting firm, were all architects of the Common Core Standards. The Gates Foundation funded most of the development for the Common Core Standards to the tune of $160 million.

The standards were drafted largely behind closed doors by academics and assessment “experts,” many with ties to testing companies. Education Week blogger and science teacher Anthony Cody found that, of the 25 individuals in the working groups charged with drafting the standards, six were associated with the test makroom teacher involved in the entire process. According to noted teacher educator, Nancy Carlsson-Paige: “In all, there were 135 people on the review panels for the Common Core. Not a single one of them was a K–3 classroom teacher or early childhood

professional.” Parents were missing entirely. K–12 educators were mostly brought in after the fact to tweak and endorse the standards—and lend legitimacy to the results.

The Common Core standards were not developed in a transparent manner. The standard-setting and writing of the standards included a significant number of people from the testing industry, but did not include a significant number of experienced teachers, subject-matter experts, and other educators from the outset, nor did it engage other informed and concerned interests, such as early childhood educators and educators of children with disabilities. There was no consensus process.

In a Washington Post article published on January 29, 2013 educators Marion Brady and John T. Spencer stated that the process for creating the new K-12 standards involved too little research, public dialog or input from educators. They went on to state that nowhere is that more true than in the case of the early childhood standards.

V. The Common Core Standards have never been fieled tested.

The Common Core Standards have not been piloted in any school or school district. In essence, proponents of the Common Core are asking every school district in the country to adopt the Common Core Standards without any proof or evidence that they will work.

It is very clear that the Common Core is more of the failed strategy that we have been following in America for more than 20 years. These Common Core Standards were written to benefit the education industry not improve student learning. Even though the implementation the Common Core Standards won’t start till next school year we are already seeing signs of the profits that the education industry will make as a result of states adopting the Common Core. Pearson Inc., the largest education publisher in the world and also a group actively involved in writing the Common Core Standards, along with it’s non for profit sister company, Pearson Charitable Foundation has agreed to pay a $7.7 million settlement to New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman after he determined that the foundation had created Common Core products to generate “tens of millions of dollars” for its corporate sister. After financing the creation of the Common Core Standards, the Gates Foundation has entered into a partnership with Pearson to produce a full set of K–12 courses aligned with the Common Core that will be marketed to schools across the country. Nearly every educational product now comes wrapped in the Common Core brand name.

The reality is that once again we are heading in the wrong direction by following a terrible plan to improve public education. Despite what the proponents say about how the Common Core will dramatically improve student achievement and will make our students globally competitive…….…DON’T BELIEVE IT!!

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