THis is a transcribed letter from an attorney at the New Hampshire School Boards Association. This was read out loud before the Alton School Board a short time ago. I wish the answer were that simple. The DOE has a lot of moving parts right now, so I hope I can clarify and answer to the best of my knowledge. First, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is just that – standards. It is not curriculum. While many school districts both federally and in NH have adopted curriculum to align with the CCSS, there is no specific curriculum the state has adopted to implement the CCSS. Likewise, as far I am aware, there is no specific curriculum school districts have to adopt. Second, because Common Core is standards, the NHDOE is implementing them within the revised Minimum Standards, Ed 306, of which you are aware. The NHDOE adopted new curriculum standards related to the Common Core in 2010 relative to English and Math. Now, with the full revision of Ed 306 occurring, the NHDOE is seeking to implement the CCSS within the state minimum standards. So – it’s not necessarily a matter of local school districts “opting out” of the CCSS or not implementing the CCSS – it would be a matter of local school districts not complying with the State Minimum Standards. The state is incorporating CCSS into the Minimum Standards. Local districts are required by law to implement the State Minimum Standards. Failure to implement the State Minimum Standards or failure to be in compliance with State Minimum Standards could possibly lead to the school not being approved, which would mean the district would not be allowed to operate schools. However, to my knowledge, this has never happened and the DOE usually puts districts on “alternative compliance” or “conditional approval” status. You may have seen the proposed revised approval standards in the new Ed 306 proposal. In terms of losing money – I don’t see anything in the law that addresses that. Provided the district complies with federal requirements in relation to federal money, I’m not sure you’d lose federal money. Another consideration is the move to SmarterBalance. Because SmarterBalance is replacing NECAP, your students need to be instructed in a manner that prepares them for this test. As far as local control goes – it’s being stripped away. NHSBA has been advocating for a return to and maintenance of local control – with the NHDOE, at the legislature, etc. But unfortunately, our concerns have fallen on deaf ears. NHSBA has formally submitted comments in opposition to the revised Minimum Standards. We’ve spoken out against the NCLB waiver, Common Core, and others. Though the deadline for public comments has passed re: the minimum standards, I would urge your board to contact its local legislators and/or the DOE to continue to express your concerns over the implementation of these initiatives. I hope this helps clarify. I’m still trying to make sense out of a lot it as well. Barrett M. Christina, Staff Attorney NHSBA
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 02:39:13 +0000
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