State of Michigan & Common Core Standards (Update: Michigan Legislation Discussion Regarding Baring the State from Implementing Standards / Watch LIVE Wednesday 3-20-13 10:30AM)

 STATEWIDE

   Bill aims to bar common education standards

   State lawmakers will discuss a bill Wednesday that, if passed, would force Michigan to withdraw from a national initiative that has had most states band together to develop common education standards.

   Michigan is one of more than 40 states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards initiative, which spell out what students need to know to graduate and be ready for college or careers. The initiative provides a common barometer of what students should learn. In the 2014-15 school year, new tests based on the standards will make it easier to compare student achievement from state to state.

   The State Board of Education adopted the standards in 2010. Many schools have since adjusted their curriculum and purchased new textbooks and materials to ensure their class lessons are aligned with the new standards.

   Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, has introduced a bill that would bar the state from implementing the standards, saying curriculum decisions should be made locally, not nationally. The bill is the subject of a hearing in the House Education Committee at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Room 307 of the House Office Building in Lansing. To watch it online, go to http://house.michigan.gov/htv_detailed.asp  .