A bill introduced in the Mississippi state Senate would stop the state from continuing its participation in the Common Core educational standards, a powerful first step towards a nullification of federal control over education.Introduced by state Sen Videt Carmichael, Senate Bill 2161 (SB2161) would have the State Board of Education adopt “Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards,” voiding the previously adopted set of educational standards. These new standards would “exceed national and international benchmarks for college and career readiness educational standards and be aligned with post-secondary educational expectations.”

Most importantly, however, once these new standards are implemented, “any actions taken by the board or the department to adopt or implement the Common Core State Standards” would be considered void ab initio – meaning they will be considered to have never been valid or enforceable in the state.

The bill also directs that, upon passage, “the State Board of Education shall immediately initiate the procedure to withdraw the state from such consortium.”

The bill also declares that the state shall “retain sole control over the development, establishment and revision of K-12 standards and state-required assessments of those standards.”

Neither the board nor any other state education entity, nor any state official, may join any consortium or any other organization when participation in that consortium or organization would cede any measure of control over any aspect of Mississippi public education to entities outside the state, nor may any such person or entity condition or delay a decision on standards or curriculum on the decision of any consortium, organization, any other state government, or the federal government.

The new state standards also provide for student privacy with “strict safeguards to protect the confidentiality of student data.”

The bill wouldn’t withdraw the state from federal control over education completely and it does require the state standards to meet “federal standards to receive a flexibility waiver under 20 USC 7861, as in effect on January 1, 2015.” Never-the-less, the bill  is a step in the right direction, as it would prevent any further implementation of it. It would also allow for further legislation to withdraw the state entirely.

While touted as a state initiative, the federal government is deeply involved in both the formulation and implementation of Common Core, primarily through stimulus funding. The end result is that when you follow the money, it becomes clear that Common Core is a national program.

Constitutionally, the federal government should not be involved in education at all.

SB2161 has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee. The committee will first need to pass the bill before the full Senate can vote on it.

TAKE ACTION

For Mississippi: To support this bill, follow the steps at THIS LINK

All Other States: Take steps to common core HERE.

TJ Martinell

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