Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Assemblywoman Russell supports delay of Common Core testing

            “I fully support the proposal made today by Speaker Sheldon Silver and Education Committee Chair Cathy Nolan regarding high stakes Common Core testing and student data sharing. While the intent of Common Core is laudable, it has been clear for some time now that its implementation has left students and teachers frustrated by poorly designed materials, flawed programs and inappropriate testing. As a mother, I know that each child is special and no two children learn in the same way. A moratorium on high stakes, Common Core testing will allow teachers to return their focus to developing students’ skills and understandings while we work to develop a curriculum that works for all our children.”

            “I also have grave concerns about the electronic sharing of sensitive student data with a private, third party company. Until we have more safeguards in place to ensure the security of this data and more answers about exactly how this information will be used, this plan should be put on hold."

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