MURFREESBORO, August 26, 2015– This past session, HB1035 from Rep. Billy Spivey was the bill to review and replace Common Core with Tennessee specific standards. It set forth a process for review of our current educational standards by parents, educators, and constituents, as well as allowing input into the new standards. The new suggested standards will be drafted by a ten member committee comprised of ten appointments by Governor Haslam, Lt. Governor Ramsey and Speaker Harwell.
During the bill drafting process, I had concerns that the bill did not specifically call for the removal of our Common Core standards, nor did the General Assembly have any oversight over the appointees. I worked with Rep. Spivey and the administration to draft an amendment that clarified the legislative intent of the bill was for Tennessee to rescind our Common Core standards when we have adopted the new standards. In addition, the amendment called for the legislature to have confirmation powers over the committee appointments. You can review the appointments HERE.
With these changes, the bill now clarifies that the intent of the legislation is to replace Common Core with our own Tennessee standards and Tennessee State Representatives and Senators are now held accountable for the confirmation of the committee members responsible for the new standards.
It is important to note that schools will be using the same standards as last year until the new ones are adopted, which will take a maximum of two school years.
Please know that I have fought hard to ensure Common Core is a thing of the past in Tennessee. In addition, please let me know if you have any concerns with any of the appointments. I currently have people reviewing the committee, but any input will be welcomed.