Both sides sound off at state BOE hearing on Common Core

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. (AP) -- Supporters of Common Core urged state leaders not to move away from the education standards at a meeting Tuesday night in Douglasville but opponents were just as adamant in urging the state to get rid of it.<br /> <br /> A series of public hearings to discuss the standards began with Tuesday's session. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that most of about 25 speakers supported the standards, including several current and retired teachers ( http://bit.ly/1r8vpRd ).<br /> <br /> "Our students will be better prepared," said Denise Grentz, a retired teacher from Douglas County. "The Common Core will benefit students with high mobility. Let's embrace the Common Core."<br /> <br /> But speakers such as Patricia Hay, who described herself as a parent, voter and citizen disagreed.<br /> <br /> "I'm totally against Common Core," Hay said.. "It's not what we need. We're being sold a bill of goods."<br /> <br /> State Board of Education members are holding the sessions in congressional districts during the next few months and will send the feedback to the University of Georgia. The information will then be reviewed by the board as they consider whether to make changes to the standards.<br /> <br /> Common Core has drawn opposition from some conservatives who view it as federal intrusion on local education decisions. Supporters say the standards increase the academic rigor of schools across the country.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/8/278218