After a hard fought battle, the Michigan House of Representatives voted unanimously that Common Core Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessment have serious problems. Although they approved moving ahead with the standards, they made important restrictions.
– schools must retain flexibility in implementing the standards. Parents are encouraged to open the discussion at the school and district level.
– student data is to be protected.
– we will consider other assessments and revisit our move to Smarter Balance by December 1.
Those who voted against the resolution wanted Michigan out of Common Core Standards and the Smarter Balanced assessment I immediately. These lawmakers (names below) are to be commended. They put the best interest of Michigan children ahead of politics and money. We are sincerely grateful to them.
And finally, to Tom McMillin for his unwavering courage. Thank you.
This is a setback but we will NOT be defeated. We will continue to educate and inform parents bout the problems with Common Core and the Smarter Balanced Assessments. The will of the people will prevail over politics and profit.
The House members who voted NO on the resolution are: Bumstead, Callton, Cotter, Daley Farrington Forlini, Franz, Genetski, Goike, Hooker, Howrylak, Johnson, Kurtz, Lauwers, Leonard, Pettalia, Potvin, MacMaster, McMillin, Rendon, Somerville
Stay strong.