Contact:
Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org
Harrison Blackmond | 248.229.4157 | Harrison@dfer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Democrats for Education Reform Warns Newly Introduced Legislation to Withdraw Michigan from Common Core Standards Will Harm Students
Lansing, Mich. March 18th, 2013 – Democrats for Education Reform Michigan (DFER MI) released the following statement by State Director Harrison Blackmond urging lawmakers to reject House Bill 4276 (2013), slated for consideration this week by the House Education Committee. The bill, introduced by State Representative Tom McMillin, would rescind Michigan’s participation in Common Core State Standards (Common Core).
“This bill would hurt our students, leaving them unprepared for success in college and the workforce, and reduce their ability to compete against children from the 44 other states that adhere to Common Core.
“First, the standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and work, while allowing for state-by-state flexibility. A state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers, Common Core enjoys strong bipartisan support nationwide for a reason.
“Second, it enables Michigan to compare student achievement across state and international lines, providing a benchmark for success. Because Common Core is based on the needs of the current workforce, tracking against its guidelines allows our state to attract higher-paying jobs, which in turn leads to more sustainable economic growth.
“Third, Common Core benefits teachers and administrators by establishing benchmarks that empower teachers to work collaboratively across state lines, and to develop effective teaching methods.
“An incredible amount of thought and research went into structuring Common Core. If we care about our students and our state, then Michigan lawmakers will reject House Bill 4276 (2013).”
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