Given that Indiana government is controlled by Republicans, and that GOP legislative majority is opposed to Common Core State Standards, it is highly unlikely the education guidelines adopted by most other states will not survive Hoosier leadership. And that is a shame.
As many Indiana students go off to other states for their college education, they will likely be at a disadvantage against students who follow the Common Core curriculum in high school.
Frankly, it is not entirely clear why so many Indiana officials have opposed Common Core. Originally, Indiana adopted Common Core during the era of then- Gov. Mitch Daniels, as did more than 45 other states. But tea party advocates generated opposition to the Common Core standards in math and reading in Indiana. Some critics have identified Common Core as a product of the federal government, but it isn’t. Instead, it was created by the nation’s governors and by state school chiefs.
Indiana has already started Common Core classes in early grades. However, an Associated Press story dated Sunday said Republican leaders in the General Assembly want Indiana to scrap those standards, and have the state adopt its own guidelines to prepare students for college and careers.
There is no argument that Indiana is capable of developing its own education standards. But why is it necessary? Is it just for the sake of being different?
Regardless, House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President Dave Long have said they will direct the Republican-controlled legislature to require the state to create its own set of reading and math standards separate from Common core. That was according to The (Munster) Times.
Legislative leadership halted the implementation of Common Core this year while a legislative committee studied the issue. The study committee failed to reach a conclusion. However, Bosma said in the AP report that he believes Indiana can move forward with its own effort and still be compatible with ACT and SAT standardized tests. Those tests are expected to be consistent with a Common Core curriculum.
Meanwhile, Democratic leadership continues to support Common Core, a logical approach to curriculum development.