The Common Core Standards: Necessary?

I recently ran across an article on The New York Times' website about the changes taking place in teaching through the implementation of the Common Core Standards. The Common Core Standards have been accepted by 46 of the United States at this time and are bringing about a great deal of overhaul in what is being taught at all grade levels. Its hope is that it will unify all of education, so that no students are left behind in some way. As the Times' article mentions, math is getting the biggest face lift through the new standards. There will now be a focus on teaching fewer concepts, more in-depth. In this way, educators hope that students will better grasp the information being given to them as well as be able to engage in deep thought about it.

 I have found myself with split feelings on the switch to the Common Core. While I think that learning fewer things more intensively makes sense, I also think it leaves little room for organic teaching and learning. While we may have students who are eventually all on the same level playing field, it doesn't exactly cultivate unique individuals based on their educational background. The Common Core aims to put all students in the same place by the time that they reach graduation and in doing this, they are putting specifics on how to teach each content area effectively. I think that this guidance will indeed make things easier for teachers, but in turn will leave them feeling less satisfied with their job and their students less inspired to learn. What do all of you think, is the Common Core really necessary?  Or could teachers come up with a better way of making sure all the bases were covered if given a chance? Are you excited to use these standards in your future classroom?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/03/science/fewer-topics-covered-more-rigorously.html?ref=education&_r=0