(Long Island, NY) “At the recent unveiling of his Common Core Task Force, Gov. Cuomo stated that he has heard the message from across the state, and is ready to take action to fix our schools. While it is necessary to evaluate the undeniably flawed Common Core System, it is important to reiterate that this is not a newly discovered point of contention. The governor’s call for action is several years too late.
“I am pleased to see that my colleague Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset), a retired educator, is included in this review process. However, many of these hand-picked appointees have previously participated in the governor’s Commissions and Task Forces, including some who have played a role in getting us to the point we’re at today. I am concerned that without integrating proper input to this review, history may repeat itself.
“Rather than perpetuating unproven reforms, solutions must be developed with revitalizing perspectives. Final decisions must include input from grade school teachers, parents and locally-rooted groups who have valuable knowledge of this topic. It is critical that the panel hears from both sides, regardless of whether they maintain strong approval or opposition to the current curriculum.
“For years parents, students and educators of New York State have called for change, and since the very beginning our Assembly Republican Conference has been fighting alongside them. We cannot accept any more quick fixes. It is time to start over and create a stronger set of standards that allows adequate flexibility for special student populations all across New York State.”
Assemblyman Ra represents the 19th Assembly District.
