COMMON CORE - PAUSE THE FEDERAL "EDUCATION STANDARDS"

Pence Hits Pause:  Indiana sets the pace on Common Core Education Agenda

http://townhall.com/columnists/austinhill/2013/05/12/pence-hits-pause-indiana-sets-the-pace-on-common-core-education-agenda-n1593198/page/full

Townhall – Austin Hill – 5/12/2013

Supporters of the Common Core State Standards like to remind people that the initiative receives bipartisan support around the country. This is true.  But Common Core also receives bipartisan opposition.

But is the Common Core standards agenda to be regarded as “tyranny?” Three separate federal laws prohibit the federal government from dictating educational curriculum content to the nation’s public schools. Yet on President Barack Obama’s watch, there has been a concerted effort within his administration to commandeer the Common Core agenda, and to skirt federal restraints.

Back in 2009 and 2010 when the administration was distributing so-called “stimulus” funds, one of the criteria for public schools to receive funds was for school districts to adopt higher “college and career standards” for students. And it just so happened that, in order to qualify for the stimulus funds, many states chose at that time to adopt the “Common Core” academic standards so they could apply for, and receive the federal funds.

The bipartisan group of Governors and state school Superintendents who support the Common Core agenda undoubtedly has the best of intentions. Yet the inability among elected officials to see how government power can be abused is a problem for both Republicans and Democrats.

The other states’ should follow Indiana’s lead. And hit “pause” on Common Core.

Governor Pence signs Common Core Review Bill

http://fox59.com/2013/05/11/governor-pence-signs-common-core-review-bill/#axzz2T7Re8VlS

Fox 59

Governor Pence (Indiana) has signed education bill HEA 1427, requiring thorough review of the Common Core State Standards.  “I have long believed that education is a state and local function and we must always work to ensure that our students are being taught to the highest academic standards and that our curriculum is developed by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers,” said Pence. “The legislation I sign today hits the pause button on Common Core so Hoosiers can thoroughly evaluate which standards will best serve the interests of our kids.”

The Department of Education is now required provide an evaluation of the Common Core standards by July 1st. HEA 1427 also establishes a legislative study committee, which will explore issues related to academic standards. The bill also calls for the Office of Management and Budget to assess the Common Core’s fiscal impact. The State Board of Education is required to make its final decision on the academic standards before July 1st of next year.