After falling in previous years, public support for the Common Core State Standards has now stabilized at 45%, the 2018 EdNext survey finds, compared to 41% a year ago. The level of opposition remains unchanged, at 38%. Among teachers, however, support for Common Core slipped by 2 percentage points over the past year to 43%, an insignificant change, while opposition rose seven points to 51%. GOP opposition remains stauncher than that of Democrats. In 2012, the parties showed no discernible difference in this regard, but favor among Republicans dropped more precipitously (and earlier) than among Democrats, opening a double-digit partisan gap just two years later. Opinion within each party largely crystallized by 2016, leaving Republicans and Democrats divided on the issue. Roughly half of Democrats (52%) favor the Common Core standards, with 30% opposed, while only 38% of Republicans support the standards and 50% oppose them. To learn more about 2018 EdNext poll findings on Common Core and other topics, read the full poll essay here. Two interactive graphics are also available that explore the 2018 findings as well as trends in opinion over time.
— Education Next
