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FSCCC Statement on Federal and State Legislative Developments
February, 2015The Florida Stop Common Core Coalition (FSCCC), an organization of over fifty statewide and local groups, is pleased to announce significant developments on education legislation at both the state and federal levels. Here is the latest:
- The US House of Representatives has at least temporarily suspended consideration of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) replacement, The Student Success Act (HR 5) due in significant part to a huge outcry from parents and activists across the nation about the continuation of federally mandated statewide standards and tests.
- The US Senate has delayed voting on S 227, the Strengthening Education through Research Act (SETRA) in response to a nationwide backlash over psychological profiling and data privacy and security concerns partly based on research by FSCCC and Education Liberty Watch.
- Rep. Debbie Mayfield's (R-Indian River) excellent bills, HB 743/ SB 1406, on educational sovereignty and HB 877/ SB 1450, on offering choice and options for the out of control Florida testing system, have also been filed in the Senate by Senator Dwight Bullard (D-Miami).
- Another good bill (HB 1121/SB 1496) dealing with Common Core and testing has also been filed by Rep. John Tobia (R-Melbourne Beach) and Senator Greg Evers (R-Pensacola).
"We are incredibly thankful for the efforts of Rep. Mayfield, who has been a stalwart champion of educational freedom, as well as for the efforts of Senators Bullard and Evers, Rep. Tobia, and the parents, grandparents and citizens across the state who are working to protect the hearts and minds of our children," said Dr. Karen Effrem, executive director of FSCCC. "The testing options provided in HB 877/SB 1450 are very important given the many problems with AIR, and the test and the technology problems experienced by districts. The strong focus of HB 743/SB 1406 on state sovereignty is especially important given the heavy handed efforts of Congress to renew NCLB and expand federal data mining. These state bills provide freedom to public schools and state sovereignty that Governor Bush at least said he wants. We also truly appreciate our partner anti-Common Core groups across the nation, our national partners, and the members of Congress who are standing against these tyrannical federal bills."
"The federal government has no constitutional role in education," said Catherine Baer, Chairwoman of the TEA Party Network. "I am very encouraged by the bi-partisan efforts of Rep. Mayfield and Senator Bullard, as well as all of our member organizations and people across the nation to stand for our children and for state sovereignty, local and parental control."
CONTACT:
The Florid Stop Common Core Coalition - Dr. Karen Effrem
Office: 888-376-5550
