common_core_brands.jpg

Barbie is among the easily recognizable product names that have appeared on standardized tests in New York taken by grades three through eight.

(Reed Saxon | The Associated Press)

Some New York parents are concerned over reports that the state Common Core standardized English tests contain brand names like Barbie and Mug Root Beer, and slogans like Nike's "Just Do It."

Brand names appeared in the test questions for 3rd to 8th grade students, leading to speculation that it was a form of product placement.

The questions are not public, and teachers and principals are barred from discussing them. But teachers posting anonymously on education blogs said some students were confused by the brand names and accompanying trademark symbols.

The New York State Education Department has denied any deal to include product names in the tests between the state, the companies in question or Pearson, the publisher of the Common Core tests.

Readers took to the comments to share their thoughts on the matter. Here's a sample of what they had to say:

From sunflower: Pending further elucidation, I would say this is totally unacceptable....and call me cynical about any of Pearson's motives that aren't based on profit for them.

From He Hate Me: This is what's called mind control and indoctrination being done by the government-backed corporatist society we live in today. The government along with large multinational corporations are openly subverting the youth of America step by step.

From propere14: It all makes sense now as too why they are pushing these tests so much. When I took state test which was only about 10 years ago, you never saw brands in the test, we had the good old fashioned widgets. Scrap this test and all state testing, let the teachers teach without having to teach to a test, memorizing test questions isn't teaching and won't help our children learn.

From James Bond: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA this is a riot!

No no no people these tests were designed by EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS! They know what they are doing! Do not question them! Every single child should know these products and what they are or they will miss that question!

lol such a joke. Common Core is a joke, our elected leaders are a joke, the education czar is a joke.

From K2: I say let the companies pay for the advertisements. We could certainly use the extra cash in the education system and I could definitely use some lower taxes because of it.

...obviously this would only work if the testing companies were public entities, not the private companies that are currently doing it. I think it's high time we took a new approach to some of this stuff. Obviously Common Core stinks, but our city, county, state and national budget situation is just as awful. Its time to get some new ideas introduced to help manage the HUGE budget shortfalls.

From JellyRajah: Common Core testing is similar to a roofing contractor pulling up to your home and telling you that you must replace the roof. But, you are not allowed to go up and look at the roof, check on the contractor or confirm the decision with anyone else.

Just trust that's all you get is trust.

From farkeled: The product references are bad enough but I am really troubled by the matter of teachers and principals being "barred" from discussing the questions. Any time you see something like that you should be concerned, and angry.

Do you think it's a problem for the Common Core tests to contain brand names and slogans? Leave a comment below.