Committee recommends bill against Common Core

A conference committee of representatives and senators is recommending the full House and Senate pass a bill that bans the state from requiring schools to use Common Core educational standards. The bill, SB 44, also requires the state Board of Education to consult the Legislature before it implements any new curriculum standards going forward. 

The Board of Education adopted the Common Core standards in 2010. This move didn't mean that individual schools and school districts had to follow suit--they can choose to use different standards for their curriculum. However, the annual statewide assessment tests, which all schools must administer to their students, are still based on Common Core standards.

Though there is no current direct mandate that schools use Common Core standards, some legislators argued that the state needs to solidify the right of local school districts to set their own standards.

SB 44 is therefore somewhat symbolic, expressing opposition to Common Core rather than actually changing what is taught in schools.

For opponents of Common Core, SB 44 is a great start to reform, but they argue that the state also needs to change its assessment tests.

Supporters of Common Core see SB 44 as an unnecessary bill that sends the wrong message about New Hampshire’s commitment to high academic standards.

Visit our issue page to learn more about the pros and cons of Common Core. 

Share your thoughts on SB 44 and Common Core in the comments below.