It sure appears as if the Secretary of Education is completely unmoved by the questions about Common Core.
She sent a memo this week urging school districts to hold meetings and update people on the progress toward transitioning to Common Core Standards.
She goes on to say that most districts are well on their way toward the transition.
She then points out that because parents and community members have confidence in teachers and administrators, it's important to illustrate how the new standards will boost learning in the district.
Now all of this is fine, but I'm more than a little troubled that this is something that has been in the works since 2010 and most legislators and patrons of school districts are just now learning about it.
Maybe I'm getting old and cranky, but I really am beginning to hate surprises.
The Speaker has an interim committee looking into a lot of education issues during the summer and I for one am anxious to hear more about Common Core Standards.
I also am anxious to learn more about plans to help the Kansas City and St. Louis school districts.
What I'm really not happy with is a state agency taking it upon themselves to change something that can affect every school child in the state without even sharing the idea with the General Assembly.
Remember, we are elected to represent the wishes of the constituents of our districts and, as such, we should be a part of a decision as far reaching as this.
When you look at some of the other lousy decisions made this year, such as a $6 million airplane purchase when we aren't able to fully fund the education formula, and transmitting our personal information from the Department of Revenue, as well as selling it to telemarketers, we just might need a little more time to look at this sweeping change in school curriculum.
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