Core standards panelists differ on constitutionality, U.N. involvement…

Five of the panelists responded to a question about whether the new Idaho core standards are constitutional. Among their comments:

Tom Luna : “The U.N. did not play any role in developing these standards. I was there from Day 1. … We wanted to approve a state effort to improve our schools by working together. … Idaho’s Constitution makes it clear that the state does have a role in public education. … The state has always set education standards.”

Bruce Cook : “I don’t know if they’re constitutional or not. We began to implement because the state department told us to.”

Dorothy Moon : “Federal powers are limited and defined and states’ powers are broad. … As far as the federal government being involved, I truly believe that they are. I have a lot of documents proving that funding for common core is coming from the federal government. … The federal government has its name all over it. There are many documents put out by the U.S. Department of Education in reference to Common Core. … So Idaho does have the power to ignore common core, embrace common core,  take parts of common core.”

Steve LaBau : “I believe that they are indeed constitutional, and I appreciate the fact that the state and the Idaho Legislature gave us two years to prepare for implementation.”

Stephanie Zimmerman : “Bill Gates’ education agenda is the U.S.’s education agenda. Bill Gates has signed agreements with UNESCO. … Where we effect change is on the local level, so it doesn’t matter if the U.N. is involved or not – we need to deal with this at home.”