Criticism raised toward Oklahoma replacement for Common Core

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma legislators in the coming week will address suggested changes to education standards written to replace the "Common Core" requirements.

The Legislature ordered changes two years ago amid criticism that the Common Core requirements were part of a federal mandate. The Oklahoman reported (http://bit.ly/22oNEEc) that some are criticizing the new standards, saying they aren't specific enough.

"None of us are trying to play standards experts, but there is room for improvement in an otherwise good product," said Rep. Jason Nelson, an Oklahoma City Republican who says his suggested changes are mainly tweaks.

Despite their support from many of the nation's governors because of their attempt to standardize academic achievement nationwide, the Common Core standards were labeled as an example of a federal overreach into state education policies.

Two years ago, Nelson co-authored the bill to spike Common Core, and for a time afterward Oklahoma was at risk of losing federal education funding because it couldn't demonstrate it was adequately preparing students for college or a career.

Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee and a former teacher, questioned whether legislators have the necessary expertise to weigh in and said there was a reason for vagueness.

"We want to give flexibility to teachers," he told the newspaper.

At a meeting last week, two education experts criticized the Common Core replacement. A University of Arkansas professor of educational reform said the new standards lack material from Oklahoma's political, intellectual and literary history.

"You would never know these standards were written by Oklahomans for Oklahoma," professor Sandra Stotsky said. "They could have been written by people on Mars for Martians. There is absolutely nothing in these standards that has an Oklahoma touch."

Sen. Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate, said the literacy standards could have included a requirement that students read some of Will Rogers' works.

State schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said the new standards were a "significant step forward."

"We urge the Legislature to adopt the standards expeditiously so that the same educators who spent thousands of hours in their development will have as much time as possible to implement them," she said.

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

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The Gayly - 3/20/2016 @ 12:23 p.m. CST