Common Core Forum at OUE

     As you may be aware, there is an ongoing conversation about the value, cost and effectiveness of the Common Core Standards Initiative. Many questions remain about the Standards from how they were developed to what impact they will have on school administrators, teachers, parents and most of all the students.

     One of the most asked questions about the origin of the Standards is how forty-five governors and their appointed education chiefs agreed to accept and implement this initiative sight unseen. Further, the introduction of federal funds into the process, as seed money, raising fear of federal interference in local education decisions also comes into question.

     Proponents claim this is a state led initiative and “the standards were created to ensure that all students graduate from high school with skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and live, regardless of where they live.”

     Those opposing Common Core claim, “This is a top down one-size-fits-all scheme with race-to-the-top money being used to entice cash-strapped states into accepting an untested, unfunded, fundamental transformation of our local schools.”

     Alaska, Nebraska, Texas and Virginia never accepted Common Core and additionally Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Utah have decided not to commit to the tests. Indiana recently rejected Common Core and replaced it with new state academic standards. Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin are now considering withdrawing from Common Core.

     Several other states have pending legislation to slow or stop the implementation of the Standards. Ohio State Representative Andy Thompson, District 96, has introduced a HB 237 that would halt the implementation of Common Core and prohibit the sharing of private student data with any entity that may provide such information to others who seek to profit from the data.

     We The People Ohio Valley will hold a pubic educational forum at Ohio University Eastern campus on Thursday, May 8th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Administrators, teachers, parents and others are cordially invited. The forum will include the film, “Building the Machine”*, a powerful and gripping documentary of Common Core from experts, followed by comments by State Representative Andy Thompson on his legislation and a question and answer period.

     Superintendents, school board members, teachers, parents, and elected officials are encouraged to attend this important community forum.

     * "Building the Machine" introduces the public to the Common Core States Standards Initiative (CCSSI) and its effects on our children's education. The documentary compiles interviews from leading educational experts, including members of the Common Core Validation Committee. Parents, officials, and the American public should be involved in this national decision regardless of their political persuasion.

     We The People-Ohio Valley is an organization made up of like minded people from all walks of life and political persuasion including Democrats, Republicans and Independents who are dedicated to educating the public about current and historic issues.

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