Idaho’s House Education Committee heard testimony in January concerning the Common Core education standards, an effort to standardize what schools across the country teach through common K-12 standards and assessments in 45 states.
“We lose our educational sovereignty,” said Stephanie Zimmerman, founder of Idahoans Against Common Core, in testimony before lawmakers.
The Common Core deprives parents of a voice in what local schools teach, she said: “You have a hard enough time making changes with your school board. With the federal government, good luck.”
Restoring Cursive
Rep. Linden Bateman (R-Idaho Falls) introduced a bill requiring the State Board of Education to include teaching of cursive writing in schools, because Common Core omits it. The bill unanimously passed the House Education Committee in early February.
“Cursive leads to the development of motor skills, improves memory, encourages children to become graceful, and encourages artistic expression,” Bateman said.
Bateman acknowledges states created the Common Core but said he would closely monitor any move to federalize the standards.
“If this is a vehicle that’s going to move us toward a national curriculum, I will oppose it,” he said.
Image by Aidan Wakely-Mulroney.
