A chance to speak on Common Core education standards for English language arts and math packed a public hearing in Fond du Lac Wednesday.
The hearing held by the Senate and Assembly Select Committees on Common Core featured speakers from across the state and nation. Common Core was adopted by the state in 2010, although Governor Scott Walker and some Republicans have indicated they think the state might want to adopt tougher standards for Wisconsin.
The hearing offered an opportunity for local school officials to weigh in on the standards. Fond du Lac Schools Superintendent Jim Sebert said having college readiness standards for the state is the right path to take. “I’m hopeful that, through these hearings, you’ll be able to separate politics from education. I’m confident that everyone in this room wants a public education system that produces college and career-ready students.”
Danica Lewis, the Director of Curriculum and Pupil Services for the Fond du Lac School District, said the current standards are rigorous and students will accept the challenge. She said Common Core sets a target for districts to follow, so they know where students need to be by the end of the year and can identify what tools are needed to help them get there.
North Fond du Lac Schools Superintendent Aaron Sadoff said the standards should be given time to evolve. “Things are never as bad as they seem, nor are they as good as some people say.” He added that the current standards are far better than what the state had in place in the past. “If we can keep moving forward, and keep making these Common Core state standards even better, I think it’s going to be a win-win for our kids.”
The committee will hold its third public hearing in Eau Claire next Wednesday. The last of four scheduled meetings will be in Wausau on Wednesday, October 30th.
Bob Nelson, KFIZ
