Louis C.K. returned to Twitter on Thursday with more criticism of the Common Core State Standards. For the comedian, the standards are clearly not a laughing matter.
The father of two made headlines on Monday, when he took to Twitter to sarcastically thank the Common Core and standardized testing for making his kids cry, and to share pieces of their confusing math homework. In the days since, he set off a barrage of Common Core-related think pieces and received the support of at least one fellow celebrity.
Clearly, however, C.K. wasn't pleased with all the reactions to his opinions on the Common Core Standards, which have been adopted in more than 40 states to make sure students around the country are being held to the same measures. On Thursday evening, C.K. returned to Twitter to defend his views.
His latest string of tweets bemoaned the Common Core implementation process in New York, which was one of the first states to begin using the standards in classrooms. Like C.K, many have complained the process was rushed:
I never said that CCSS is all bad. But in NYC it wasn't rolled out, but adopted through High stakes poorly written tests.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Kids teachers parents are vocally suffering. Doesnt that matter? listen to them. Adapt and slow down CCSS. Cool it with the testing
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Amid widespread criticism, New York has slowed parts of its Common Core rollout. While students are taking standardized tests aligned with the standards, the state Board of Regents decided in February to delay some aspects of the plan, including one that tied students' test scores with their ability to graduate.
C.K. then addressed those who have attacked his Common Core views. For example, a Newsweek piece published on Thursday bears the title, "Sorry, Louis C.K., but You’re Wrong About Common Core."
CCSS. It's a new program. why defend it aS perfect? Why let poor test writers profit and tell parents and teachers they are "wrong".
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
It's arrogant and hurts the goals of CCSS. CCSS is not perfect. You want to teach kids to think and reason. Try it yourself first.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
1st step to learn: Amit you're wrong. Listen improve your understanding. Let teachers decide how to guide kids to these new ideas
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Teachers are underpaid. They teach for the love of it. Let them find the good in cc without the testing guns to their and our kids heads.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Later, C.K. took shots at Pearson, the world's largest education company, and Bill Gates, whose foundation has poured millions into supporting the Common Core Standards.
I trust a teacher over Pearson or bill hates any day of the week. Don't all be so defensive and don't be such bullies.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Everything important is worth doing carefully. None of this feels careful to me.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
The test are written to CCSS standards. The teachers are forced to deliver high scores to those tests. Why pretend that cc has zero fault?
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Lastly these are my views as a parent. I'm sure I'm wrong about some of it. Does that mean you're wrong about none o it? Peace.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
Finally, C.K. wanted everyone to know he did not intentionally misspell Bill Gates' name ... but that doesn't mean he's a fan of the Microsoft mogul.
didn't mean to write Bill hates. I meant to write "doody faced rich guy". Oh just kidding. Alright I'm done. Go ahead and rip my head off.
— Louis C.K. (@louisck) May 1, 2014
In response to his tweets, MSNBC host Chris Hayes invited the comedian to appear on his show:
.@louisck any time you want to come on my show and talk common core, standardized testing etc... we'd love to have you.
— Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) May 1, 2014
Alas, Louis C.K. may become the latest anti-Common Core television talking head.