The state Senate today unveiled its plan to move forward with a set of state school standards. State lawmakers have been debating the Common Core State Standards for months.
Opponents of the standards say they threaten local control of school curriculum. But supporters say Common Core will help make sure Michigan students are ready for college and careers.
“It’s going to help our students with being able to enroll in universities in other states,” said state Sen. Howard Walker (R-Traverse City).” It’s also going to help us in comparing our students to the progress of students in other states, to make sure that we can be a leader in our education.”
The state House passed a similar resolution last month. The Senate version includes language clarifying that homeschoolers would be exempt from having to follow Common Core.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville has not committed to holding a vote on either the House or Senate plan. But Walker says he’s hopeful the measure will pass.
“Having these standards in place, I think, will serve our students well and serve our taxpayers well.”
