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Activists Concerned About Common Core at Rally and Forum in Melbourne
January, 2014Approximately 150 people attended a rally against and a forum about Common Core in Melbourne on January 27th. The forum panel consisted of Representative Debbie Mayfield, (R-Indian River), author of HB 25, a bill to pause implementation of Common Core. Also on the panel were strategist Randy Osborne of Acclaim Strategies and Florida Eagle Forum, and Dr. Karen Effrem, president of Education Liberty Watch and co-founder of FSCCC.
Here are some excerpts from coverage by Florida Today of the well-attended event hosted by the Republican Liberty Caucus of East Central Florida, led by Chairman Bob White:
Forum speakers included Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, who filed legislation that would halt implementation of Common Core until certain requirements are met, such as additional public hearings and a financial study.
In addition, the event served as an overview, with short videos explaining the types of lessons being developed and used in other states, and speakers raising concerns about the new exams being developed to test students' knowledge."It is creating incredible amounts of stress" in children, said Dr. Karen Effrem of the Florida Stop Common Core Coalition of states already implementing the new tests. "They had to figure out what to do with the tests that were thrown up on, it's creating that much of a problem."
Local representative John Tobia (R-Melbourne Beach) also attended and is becoming more aware of the concerns:
John Tobia, R-Melbourne Beach, attended the event, and said he's been meeting with residents about their thoughts. Three years ago, he did not get one phone call or email on the issue. But now, it's become a concern that surpasses even government spending, he said."If we made a mistake, we certainly need to correct that, as expeditious and fair a manner as possible," Tobia said.
FSCCC is grateful to the organizers and attendees of this evening.
Photo Credit: Florida Today
