Senate “huddles” with MDE

There have been no public hearings on Common Core in the Senate since the joint committee hearing held on October 2.    Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville is controlling the Common Core debate and listening to only one side of the argument.  MIRS reports that key senators met with state Superintendent Mike Flanagan  “behind closed doors Wednesday.

Sen. David HILDENBRAND (R-Lowell) participated in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Randy RICHARDVILLE (R-Monroe) on assessing students on how well they are doing on Common Core course material.

“That train has left the station,” the Senator explained as schools have been teaching this material for three years yet “people are concerned that Michigan-based questions” are being tested in the assessment process.

Flanagan promised to provide more data to the senators and key lawmakers were scheduled to huddle on the issue again this afternoon.

Richardville disclosed that senators and his staff got a chance to ask a lot of questions. He admitted he knows more about the issue now than when he went into the meeting. He said he hoped for a vote on this soon.

Why just a “huddle” with the MDE to learn more and why behind “closed doors?”     Senator Richardville heard ONE side of the issue from the state officials who want Common Core to continue.  Is he willing to meet with  those opposed to the Common Core and learn from the other side?

Melanie Kurdys extended the following email invitation to key senators,

Can you, on behalf of your constituents opposed to Common Core,  “huddle” with us?  It seems only fair that both sides get the opportunity to persuade and discuss possible solutions.

Senators, we are also happy to help you understand more about Common Core and hope you will embrace the concepts of critical thinking, problem solving and using data to make decisions. This involves understanding the issue deeply, which can be done by listening to both sides wholeheartedly.

Best wishes,

Melanie Kurdys

Withdraw Michigan from the Common Core State Standards Initiative;

Withdraw Michigan from the SBAC assessment scheme and any other testing programs aligned with Common Core standards;

Refrain from entering into any agreement that cedes any measure of control over Michigan education to entities outside the state and sever any such agreements already existing;