Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor, Assemblyman Steve Katz, Local Educators and Parents Discuss Common Core Standards at Assembly Minority Education Forum in Wappingers Falls

PRESS RELEASE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN KIERAN MICHAEL LALOR

Fishkill, NY – (11/13/13) – Assemblymembers Kieran Michael Lalor (R,C,I-Fishkill) and Steve Katz (R,C,I-Yorktown) today joined educators, local officials and parents at a New York State Assembly Minority Forum on Education at Van Wyck Junior High School Auditorium in Wappingers Falls.

In response to concerns from parents and students, some of the topics covered include reactions to the new education standard, the effects of the new testing associated with Common Core and instruction time and the approach of classroom teachers. The opinions, ideas and concerns expressed will help the Assembly members strengthen education in the Hudson Valley. All written testimony that is submitted will be included in the record and summary that will be prepared at the conclusion of the proceedings.

“Parents and teachers deserve a chance to join the conversation about Common Core and share their doubts about the program,” said Assemblyman Lalor. “It’s clear that Common Core isn’t working for the majority of parents, teachers, and children. We need to listen to their experiences and replace Common Core with a curriculum that will work for our kids. The information and input we take away from this meeting will go a long way toward helping to fix the mess made by Common Core.”

“It’s important that we hear from teachers and parents directly on exactly how Common Core affects the classroom and our children,” Katz said. “Input like this is essential to legislators when dealing with education policy.  I look forward to relaying these stories of Common Core implementation back to Albany in order to better shape an education policy that works for our children and teachers, rather than Washington D.C. bureaucrats.”

“No matter how well-intentioned the new standardized testing scheme was, it failed to take into consideration the human side of education. Rather than start the school year renewed and recharged, ready for the challenges of a new year, our children and teachers are instead discouraged and anxious about tests and standards,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). “This forum, the fourth we’ve conducted so far, will allow us to take an in-depth look at the new Common Core curriculum and ask if these new standards are being implemented properly and effectively.”

“No one understands the challenges that Common Core poses better than our teachers, administrators and the families of our students,” said Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook). “Public forums allow the most invested stakeholders to make their voice heard and provide elected officials with the insight we need to deliver positive change in government. I thank everyone who attended and contributed to our discussion.”

The Wappingers Falls event was the fourth of several forums hosted across the state. The next event will take place on November 18 in Baldwinsville. For more information, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.

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