School districts across the state have grappled with changes and challenges that accompanied implementation of the Common Core testing standards. During that time, I have heard a great deal of feedback regarding the new direction of education in New York State. In the Finger Lakes Region and throughout New York, parents, educators, and community leaders […]
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School districts across the state have grappled with changes and challenges that accompanied implementation of the Common Core testing standards. During that time, I have heard a great deal of feedback regarding the new direction of education in New York State.
In the Finger Lakes Region and throughout New York, parents, educators, and community leaders have expressed concerns about the implementation of the Common Core. Some say there is too much testing and others think that we need more time to get the proper tools in place to teach the new curriculum. Many people are worried that teacher evaluations based on the Common Core results do not accurately reflect the true ability of the educators being assessed. And, still more New Yorkers are concerned about the privacy of student data being collected as a result of the implementation of the Common Core.
As a former educator, I know that all of these concerns are valid. We need time to evaluate and understand the impact of these new standards. Few things, if any, are more important than our children’s education. We must get this right.
Over the past few weeks, members of the Assembly Minority Conference have been hosting education forums around the state. The forums are designed to give community members in every region of New York a chance to discuss the issues and concerns they have with the direction of the state’s education policy. So far, the forums have generated a tremendous amount of attention and have given our members valuable insight.
Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C–Canandaigua) is the New York Assembly Minority Leader and represents the 131st Assembly District, which encompasses all of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County. Contact him at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us