Is the Common Core's Opposite the Panacea .edu Needs?

Developed over a century ago, the Montessori theory of child development and curriculum for education may hold answers to current questions about how to foster more autonomous, intrinsically motivated learning in classrooms. Instead of addressing the students as a group, teachers typically give children lessons individually, or at most in small groups. This way, instruction is inherently differentiated for each student.  Whereas, "The Common Core focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful." (Common Core State Standards Initiative)

When Dr. Maria Montessori first began giving lectures and presentations about her philosophy and method, she called her work “scientific pedagogy”. Because she based her theories on lengthy research and careful development of materials, she insisted that only programs she personally sanctioned could be considered true Montessori programs. However, she did not take steps to trademark or otherwise protect the name. 

Dr. Montessori’s original method does not use tests or other traditional means of assessing students’ abilities or student achievement. In comparison to the Common Core where "new standards...provide a way for teachers to measure student  progress throughout the school year and ensure that students are on the  pathway to success in their academic careers." (Common Core State Standard Initiative)

At Montessori, students are grouped into mixed-age classrooms spanning three-year age ranges. For these reasons, among others, there is no easy or traditional way to measure Montessori students’ learning outcomes. For example, a single pencil and paper test could not be used for all students of the same age or class level because each student’s learning is individualized.