The Cleveland Plain Dealer (4/29, O'Donnell) reported that some Ohio residents and legislators oppose the state's adoption of the Common Core standards. As a result, $10 million in the education budget "for districts for technology improvements, largely to help them prepare for the new online tests that students would take starting in 2015 under the Common Core," is no longer earmarked for the tests, and the legislature will hold hearings on the standards. However, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, during a trip to Cleveland, said "that the Common Core is an effort to increase the standards for students and schools to make the country more competitive internationally," adding, "If any state wants to dumb down their standards, they can."
The Cincinnati Enquirer (4/29, Amos) reports there "is a growing chorus of critics and skeptics" of the Common Core standards "hosting public forums, organizing phone trees and emailing elected officials," as well as organizing on the Internet. In response, "Education Secretary Arne Duncan asked U.S. Chamber of Commerce members to speak up for the Common Core" while "other proponents are reminding people" the standards began with a bipartisan group of governors. Opponents argue "it's better – and cheaper – for state and local boards to decide how to teach and test students."
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel (4/27, Man) reported, "A growing movement...is sounding the alarm over" the Common Core State Standards, similar to that which opposed healthcare reform. In fact, some opponents "some have dubbed it 'Obamacore.'" Now "proponents are clearly worried" and seeking to defend the move. However, the issue does not divide on partisan lines, with some GOP supporters and Democratic critics.
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