ASSEMBLYMAN TO HOLD HEARINGS ON COMMON CORE

Dear Friends,

Due to the recent overwhelming reactions and feedback regarding Common Core, I will be joining with several of my colleagues on the Assembly Education Committee to hold a forum dealing with concerns expressed by educators, parents, and other stakeholders regarding the implementation of the new curriculum based on Common Core standards. I am pleased to invite you to participate at our Lower Hudson Valley forum on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Van Wyck Junior High School Auditorium, 6 Hillside Lake Road, Wappingers Falls.

Some of the topics we will be covering include:

1. Reactions to the new education standards being promoted by the President and National Governors Association, known as the Common Core. Are there components being left out of the new standards? Are there unnecessary ones?

2. Was the implementation of new curriculum based on Common Core standards handled appropriately? What can be implemented to improve the transition to the new curriculum?

3. How has the new testing associated with Common Core affected students’ attitudes toward learning? How has it affected their instruction time and the approach of classroom teachers?

4. What challenges have been presented to local school district administrators, curriculum chairs and principals as a result of the implementation of Common Core?

It is our intention to hear from as many participants as possible, if necessary we may extend the event, but time constraints may require that those wishing to provide oral testimony provide written testimony only. All written testimony that is submitted will be included in the record and summary that will be prepared at the conclusion of the proceedings. Kindly bring 2 copies of your testimony, including your contact information, to the forum.

It is strongly recommended that persons wishing to present oral testimony at this forum pre-register by contacting us at [email protected] by November 10. Members of the media will also be invited to this important event.

Oral testimony will be limited to five minutes, except in response to subsequent questions from the panel, if any.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Assemblyman Kieran Lalor