One of the biggest issues to surface during on-going discussions about the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) has been a growing tendency for public officials and other standards supporters to avoid thoughtful discussions about valid concerns. Instead, officials are engaging in personal attacks and ridicule for parents and other groups who are not satisfied about what is going on in their schools.

It’s gotten to the point where columnist Michelle Malkin has weighed in with advice to officials about how not to engage in discussions with those who see problems with the NGSS and CCSS.

Malkin’s piece is a good read.

In the best interests of our children, I suggest that everyone on both sides of the discussion take a deep breath and digest Ms. Malkin’s comments before flying off the handle, again, about people who have honest concerns with the CCSS and the NGSS.

After all, the NGSS and the CCSS at present are only first attempts to create truly viable cross-state education standards. It’s only logical that the current versions will need more work. Thus, dismissing opponents’ valid concerns with personal attacks just fuels an ultimately destructive process that could result in the baby – in this case our students – getting thrown out with the bath water.