A committee of state lawmakers, school superintendents, teachers and parents suggested Thursday the state tweak its Common Core education standards, not get rid of them.
The committee, which held its final hearing Thursday, was created last year in response to long-standing complaints, primarily from conservative lawmakers and tea party activists, that the federal government has too much influence in local education.
In particular, they want to rein in or end Georgia’s participation in Common Core, a set of education standards created several years ago by elected officials in several states and other groups. Common Core — supported by the federal government — is in place in 45 states, including Georgia. Critics argue Common Core has become a federal intrusion into education policy. State education department leaders insisted Thursday the standards Georgia uses are home-grown.
Educators and parents on the committee praised Common Core for encouraging students to think more critically. They said they want to keep the standards, but suggested some minor changes.
“I support where we are today and continuing to make it better,” said Cobb County parent Misty Skedgell.
Committee members complained the federal government often sets unrealistic expectations and suggested reaching out to Georgia’s congressional delegation for help. Fulton County school superintendent Robert Avossa, for example, said his district gets $10 million a year from Washington for special-needs students but is spending $90 million and is required to meet federal mandates for those students.
About the Author
