Curran Responds to Regents' Vote Delaying Common Core

After news of the New York State Board of Regents' vote to delay Common Core for five years, Assemblyman Brian Curran (21st AD - Lynbrook) made the following statement:

“The recent decision from the Board of Regents to delay Common Core for five years is finally a step in the right direction.  This curriculum must be fixed; it is too problematic to both students and teachers, let alone the entire State Education system.  The decision emboldens those who seek a quality education for all our children; it’s what I have been seeking for close to a year.  

“There’s no question that the Education Department has botched the roll-out of Common Core…they need to focus their efforts on fixing the disastrous implementation of these standards.

“This Board of Regents’ decision embodies the efforts that many of my colleagues and I have taken to stop and fix this disastrous curriculum.  It’s nice to see the Assembly leadership and the Board of Regents coming around to our position on the matter.

“The rushed implementation of the Common Core curriculum in New York has placed a heavy burden on teachers, students and school districts throughout the state.  With so many students, parents and educators affected by this program, it was absolutely critical that this action was taken to adjust the system to better meet the needs of our children.  By delaying the implementation of these standards, we are allowing for further public comments that will improve understanding of Common Core.

“Working with parents, educators and school district administrations, it’s been my priority to hold a public discussion on this very topic – if only to provide our children with the best possible education.

“The Assembly Minority Conference and I have held over 11 open public forums since Fall 2013 that have allowed parents, teachers and school administrators to discuss any and all education-related concerns or questions dealing with Common Core.

“As a direct result of these public forums, my colleagues and I have unveiled and sponsored the Achieving Pupil Preparedness & Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan.  The proposal focuses on our children, schools and reforming education policy in New York State, particularly Common Core.  The plan can be viewed at http://bit.ly/educationalcrossroads.”