Ed forum focus: Common Core and cash

On their first night in the field, members of Gov. Butch Otter’s education reform task force heard two recurring themes: some spirited debate about Common Core, and an appeal for Idaho to put more money into education.

Nineteen people — mostly current and retired teachers — spoke at the first Taskforce for Improving Public Education public forum Wednesday night, held at Nampa High School.

And while the task force is looking for ideas that it can present to the 2014 Legislature, many speakers focused on Common Core, an idea that has already been reviewed and approved by the State Board of Education and the 2011 Legislature. The Idaho Core Standards initiative will establish new math and English language standards in 2013-14, with assessments to begin in 2014-15.

Critics said Common Core is unproven — or a sinister “nationalization” of Idaho education. Some suggested the new standards would force Idaho schools to teach anti-American themes, or allow “data mining” in the classroom. Full story Kevin Richert, Idaho Ed News

Wednesday’s forum was the first of seven meetings the task force will hold statewide. The task force will meet Tuesday night in Coeur d’Alene. Will you attend? What do you know about Common Core?