ALBANY, N.Y. (April 11, 2017) – A New York Senate bill would withdraw the state from Common Core standards, nullifying the program in the state.
Sen. Andrew Lanza (R) introduced Senate Bill 5288 (S5288), which would void Common Core standards in the state. It succinctly states:
Common core state standards initiative. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the department shall discontinue implementation of the common core state standards developed by the common core state standards initiative. Any actions taken to adopt or implement the common core state standards are void.
There has been a strong backlash against Common Core in New York, with thousands of parents opting their kids out of associated standardized testing. Bills have also been introduced to put some legal muscle behind the opt-out movement by specifically allowing parents, legal guardians or school districts to opt children with an individualized education program out of the “common core standards” and certain associated testing.
S5288 would take things a step further by simply eliminating Common Core altogether.
While the proposed law would technically end Common Core in New York, the process is not without potential pitfalls. As Shane Vander Hart at Truth in American Education said about a similar bill passed in Tennessee, legislatures often do little more than create “rebranded” versions of the same program. Even if the new state standards completely reject Common Core, it doesn’t mean the state won’t continue to allow the federal government to influence its education system. It will require public and legislative vigilance to completely push the feds out of education in New York.
BACKGROUND
Common Core was intended to create nationwide education standards. While touted as a state initiative through the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the U.S. Department of Education was heavily involved behind the scenes. Up until recently, the DoE tied the grant of waivers from the No Child Left Behind Act to adoption of Common Core, using the standards as powerful strings to influence state educational policy. The Every Student Succeeds Act passed by Congress this month now prohibits the DoE from attempting to “influence, incentivize, or coerce State adoption of the Common Core State Standards … or any other academic standards common to a significant number of States.”
Even with the federal strings cut from Common Core for the time being, it is still imperative for each state to adopt its own standards. The feds can once again use these national standards to meddle in state education at any time if they remain in place. Just as importantly, one-size-fits-all standard simply don’t benefit children. State and local governments should remain in full control of their own educational systems.
Rejecting nationalized education standards is the first step toward bringing true academic choice, and freedom. Passage of this legislation into law represents a positive step forward for the people of New York and a path for other states to follow.
NEXT STEPS
S5288 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee, where it must pass by majority vote in order to advance.
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