Random thought on the implementation of the Common Core

Today I learned of a 2nd packaged, technology-enhanced curriculum designed to fully implement the Common Core in ELA/Literacy.  I anticipate a spate of these packages, all competing for district, regional, and state dollars.  I find it ironic that influential responses (Pearson and Scholastic) to standards that highlight creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration are rooted in structure, in hierarchy, and in making the teacher's job less creative, critical, and collaborative.  The greatest flaw in 6-8 education today is that "the easy way out" is a strategy enabled by canned, purchased and downloaded programs and lessons. This is a scary time for education.