We found an interesting piece in the New York Times that features a debate of the merits of National Core Standards. Twenty-seven states have already agreed to adopt the standards in order to qualify for Race to the Top (RttT) funds. The Obama administration argues that the uniform norms will boost achievement of the neediest children but opponents claim that the new system will promote mediocrity.
You can read the debate here. Other arguments for and against national standards have been proposed elsewhere. We will try to provide them as we verify the sources.