While States across the Nation continue to reassess the Common Core State Standards, Ulster County Legislators lend their voice to the dialogue seeking a halting in the implementation of the Common Core Standards until an independent New York State initiated approach to improving the New York State education system is explored. The Ulster County Legislators recognized the standards were released in June 2010 and were given only 60 days to evaluate adopt them with no opportunity to modify for State specific needs or goals.
“With no local education officials, school leaders, teachers or parents participating in the any part of the discussion of standards that affect each and every one of our students, it is outrageous that our State Education Department leaders just signed away home rule and State control of our educational system,” stated Craig Lopez, Ulster County Legislator from District 14 serving the Towns of Shawangunk and Wawarsing.
This focus on local input and control of student assessments was reiterated in Resolution No. 395-14 in seeking to allow local school districts to opt children with an individualized education program out of Common Core Standards. Legislators noted the IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and, when appropriate, the students themselves to work together to improve the educational results of children with disabilities.
“Assessing to a set standard, while a laudable goal, leaves little flexibility and results in a one-size fits all model,” stated Peter Loughran, District No. 5 Legislator from the City of Kingston. “Ultimately, all children, but especially those with disabilities, deserve to be recognized as the individuals that they are. Educational assessments should be ensuring a long term growth spectrum that matches the individual student’s ability.”
Both Resolutions No. 350-14 and 395-14 passed the November 18th Ulster County Legislative Session and will be forwarded to the New York State Legislature to support the reintroduction of State legislation in their 2015-2016 Legislative Session.
