Common Core: Oklahoma looks at repeal

Barely a week after Indiana became the first state to repeal the Common Core standards, Oklahoma appears to be poised to become second in line.

The Oklahoma state Senate voted 37-10 to repeal the math and English language arts standards and replace them with new standards drafted by the state’s board of education.

The bill now goes back to the Oklahoma House, according to the Associated Press. Said the AP, “The 68-page measure that was unveiled last week passed over the objection of some Democrats who argued it was too hastily assembled and would roll back progress that has been made on new standards designed to help students become more prepared for college and the workforce.”

The Oklahoma Senate’s vote comes only days after the Idaho Legislature effectively decided to stay the course on Common Core. Critics made no serious attempt to repeal the standards or to derail the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium exams that are tied to the Idaho Core Standards.

But Common Core may still emerge as an election issue in the upcoming May 20 Idaho GOP primary. Republican gubernatorial candidate Russ Fulcher has vowed to repeal the standards, which are supported by incumbent Gov. Butch Otter. Fulcher, a Senate Education Committee member, endorsed the standards in 2011.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at [email protected]

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