UPDATE FROM THE LAE LOBBY TEAM! LAWMAKERS GRILL JOHN WHITE AND CHAS ROEMER IN INTENSE, FOUR-HOUR QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION SURROUNDING COMMON CORE State representatives grilled State Superintendent of Education John White and BESE President Chas Roemer in a heated legislative hearing surrounding the current status of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The briefing was scheduled in order to give two of the states top education officials a chance to update legislators on the roll-out of the controversial CCSS. The hearing consisted of a prepared presentation - delivered by Superintendent White - followed by a question and answer session in which only legislators were able to ask questions and share their concerns on the CCSS. Public testimony was not accepted. Emotions ran high during the four-hour meeting with the days discussion continuously re-circling to the same issue: the major problems with the way the standards are being implemented across the state. This years full roll-out has left teachers on their own to develop their own curricula for teaching, and since the state dropped its curriculum, its now up to teachers to decide how best to follow the extremely rigorous new standards. Legislators shared specific examples from their constituencies, further illustrating how the extreme haste in which the CCSS is being foisted upon Louisiana school districts has not only left teachers confused, but students and parents discouraged and extremely overwhelmed. Many lawmakers used the same word to describe whats happening inside Louisiana classrooms: chaos. White and Roemer took a defensive stance, constantly reverting to the notion that the CCSS transition has been in the works for the past three and a half years; the duo appeared to shift the blame to local school leaders, saying some had their heads up and others had their heads buried in the sand. Another common talking point spouted by Superintendent White was the notion of educator buy-in, as he continuously referred to the state-established teacher leader cadre with whom, he says, he collaborated on the standards. He even falsely identified LAE as an organization that had input into the plan. Its important to know that while LAE believes in high standards, the association takes major issue with the way the roll out has unfolded. CLICK HERE for a full list of talking points surrounding LAEs position. By the time the briefing concluded, more than a dozen legislators questioned White and Roemer. A major take-away was the request for a better transition plan, as well as the delay of the high stakes consequences for students, teachers, administrators, and schools. There was also a request for additional implementation resources, with a major focus on allowing educators and administrators time to become comfortable with the new teaching methodology. White and Roemer claimed that BESE is working on a transition plan. LAE leaders will move forward with caution as this transition plan is revealed. If you would like to read a more detailed summary of the November 4th meeting, CLICK HERE for Education Blogger Michael Deshotels recount of the hearing. Thank you for taking action on our recent requests to email legislators with your Common Core concerns. We will continue to keep you posted on next steps; in the meantime, stay informed on this important issue! Keep an eye on lae.org for more. Shane Riddle Government Relations Louisiana Association of Educators 8322 Calais Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:04:03 +0000