LITTLE ROCK, AR – Governor Asa Hutchinson establishes a group to focus on Common Core, the national education standard now being taught in Arkansas classrooms. It’s called the “Governor’s Council on Common Core Review.”
Common Core is a list of high academic standards to follow, and outline what a student should be able to do at the end of each grade. Governor Hutchinson formed a council to make sure, with these new standards, our children are performing and their performance can be measured on a national comparison.
“This means the voice of everyday Arkansans will be heard,” says Karen Lamoreaux, Parent.
Lamoreaux now has hope the state will give Common Core a second look. She says the new set of standards aren’t working for her child.
“To give us the kind of open public discourse that we should’ve had four years ago before this was adopted, so I’m really excited about this,” she adds.
“There needs to be a review of our Common Core Standards,” says Gov. Hutchinson, who fulfilled his campaign pledge Wednesday, announcing the formation of the Governor’s Council on Common Core Review. “We do not want to weaken our standards, we do not want to diminish the high standards of education that are important in this state.”
Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin was appointed to lead the group of 16 individuals who will be compromised of educators, parents, business leaders and students.
“I approach it as an Arkansan and a father,” says Griffin. “What I want to do to serve the governor best is to have the facts.”
Laura Bednar, Deputy Superintendent at the Pulaski County Special School District is in favor of Common Core, but also supports the governor’s new task force.
“I believe any time you give people the opportunity to express those concerns, collaborate and work together, if things need to be changed, this is a good opportunity to look at that,” says Bednar.
Gov. Hutchinson wants to approach this based on facts and hear from all Arkansans, like Karen, who feels her voice is finally being heard at the state level.
“I’m thrilled with the diversity of the council,” says Lamoreaux.
The Governor’s Office will be accepting online applications through Feb. 20 from those who would like to serve on the Council. Click here to fill out an application.
Council members will be announced in early March. The Council will be asked to provide initial recommendations in the early summer and later recommendations in the fall.