Hofmeister robocall: Common Core "completely rejected" in Oklahoma

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister recently made a recorded call touting the death of Common Core in Oklahoma and the creation of new replacement standards, contradicting some in the legislature that have expressed concern.

Listen to the call here:


The robocall was paid for by "The Education Reform Coalition", an organization that is not registered with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, as far as I can tell.

Transcript:
[voice: Joy Hofmeister] Hello, this is Oklahoma Superintendent of Schools Joy Hofmeister. It is a challenging time right now for our public schools, but I want to share a bit of good news with you. One of the top priorities we have had is to end Common Core in Oklahoma. Today, that is finally a reality. We have completely rejected Common Core, and in it's place we have new standards that were designed right here in Oklahoma, by Oklahoma educators and experts. This move restores local control and rejects interference from Washington, D.C. I'm proud of this good news for Oklahoma students and families, and I hope that you will be, too. If you have any questions, please give me a call at 405-256-8707. Thank you, and have a blessed day.
[voice: unknown] Paid for by The Education Reform Coalition.

Op-ed: Common Core May Be Coming Back to OK Classrooms March 23rd

Kevin Batts, blogger at TheRedRiverChronicle.com

Why March 23rd Common Core May Be Coming Back to an Oklahoma Classroom Near You

Brought to You by State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister

While the electorate is distracted by the Republican Presidential primaries candidates, the voters in Oklahoma are unaware that Common Core is about to be brought back to their state. The Oklahoma legislature has been lulled to sleep and unaware of how close they are to bringing back Common Core via approving newly submitted state education standards.

In 2014, Oklahomans led an enormous grassroots effort that completely upended the education industrial complex in the state. The repeal is widely recognized as the first full repeal of Common Core in the country. Meanwhile, the advocates of the Common Core standards regrouped in Oklahoma and in their retreat, their plan was to rename it. The resurrection of common core in Oklahoma has been planned incrementally.

The anatomy of the Common Core of yesterday and the one of today are identical but to pacify the electorate, the Common Core of yesterday had to go underground.

This takes us to 2016 and the submission of new standards for English and Math as the replacement in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Legislators in the Sooner state, are knowingly or unknowingly, on March 23rd, are about to welcome the Common Core standards back into the state. The vehicle they’re using to bring it back in are the new subject matter standards that are aligned with the ACT testing series. A series that in the test makers own words is known to be Common Core aligned.

READ THE REST AT THIS LINK

Sandy Garrett joins education leaders endorsing Faught for State House

Faught endorsed by Sandy Garrett, other educators

Muskogee, OK –  George Faught, candidate for State House District 14, today announced that he has been endorsed by several prominent state and local educators, including former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett.

"As former State Superintendent and a teacher, I had the opportunity to work with many leaders across this State. George Faught is one of those leaders who works hard and has earned people’s trust. As a State Representative, George worked tirelessly for local schools and teachers," said Sandy Garrett, who served as State Superintendent from 1991 to 2011. "George is committed to helping the next generation succeed with a quality education. Join me in helping re-elect my former student, George Faught, to the State House." Garrett taught in Muskogee for 15 years, and was Faught's first-grade teacher.

"George Faught will be a great representative who listens to the people of his district. He is a strong and proven leader. George supports local control of education and will work to give teachers more time to teach by stopping the excessive testing of students," said Linda Murphy, former Education Advisor to Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

"George Faught has the experience needed to be the voice of House District 14. He cares about Oklahoma’s children and will ensure they receive the best possible education. George possesses the moral compass we need in Oklahoma City," said Muskogee teacher Lorie Alexander. "Deeply devoted to his family and directed by his faith, George is a man of integrity you can trust with your vote." In 2013 Alexander received recognition as the top Elementary Teacher in the state by Professional Oklahoma Educators and was given the 'Elementary Educator Merit' Award.

Jenni White, president of Restore Oklahoma Public Education (R.O.P.E.), also endorsed Faught's campaign for re-election. "I support George Faught for State House District 14 because of his strong stance on local control of education and the rights of parents to educate their children in the way they deem best for that child. In 2012, Rep. Faught sponsored Parental Rights legislation that clearly delineated the role of parents as the primary decision makers for their children. We need more Representatives at the state level willing to guard and protect the rights of parents - especially today, as we continue to fight to keep Oklahoma 'Common Core' free."

White continued, "Though not a member of the House when historic HB3399 (the repeal of Common Core in Oklahoma) was passed, Rep. Faught voted against the initial legislation in 2010 that led to Common Core, and supported our fight to stop Common Core. We will need his advocacy as our new standards are written and the federal government continues to bribe states to educate Oklahoma kids their way. Please help me elect George Faught to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives." White and her organization played a key role in advocating for the successful repeal of Common Core in Oklahoma.

"George Faught has been an advocate for National Board Certified Teachers and achieving excellence in our schools. He has supported teacher pay increases and common sense reforms. George Faught has a strong conviction to do what is right for Oklahoma," said Alicia Rodgers, Fort Gibson teacher.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of these outstanding educators," said Faught. "It shows that Education isn't about partisan politics, but about preparing the next generation of Oklahoma's leaders. We must work together to make it happen. The investment we make in Education today will determine the future of our state tomorrow."

Learn more about George Faught and his campaign by visiting his website.

Gov. Fallin signs HB3399, Common Core Repeal bill

Governor Mary Fallin Signs HB 3399 

to Repeal and Replace Common Core Standards

New Standards will be developed in Oklahoma and Increase Academic Rigor

OKLAHOMA CITY—Governor Mary Fallin today signed HB 3399, a bill that replaces the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English and math with academic standards to be designed by the state of Oklahoma.

HB 3399 repeals the adoption of CCSS and directs the State Board of Education to create new, more rigorous standards by August 2016. For the first time in state history, the State Regents for Higher Education, the State Board of Career and Technology Education, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will be asked to formally evaluate those standards to determine they are “college and career ready.”  While those new standards are being written, the state standards for English and math will revert to the Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) standards used from 2003 to 2010.

HB 3399 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, 71-18 in the House and 31-10 in the Senate.

Fallin signed the bill, stating:

“We are capable of developing our own Oklahoma academic standards that will be better than Common Core. Now is the time for Oklahomans – parents, citizens, educators, employers and elected officials – to unite behind the common goal of improving our schools. That begins with doing the hard work of building new, more rigorous Oklahoma standards.

“All Oklahomans want our children to get a quality education and to live the American Dream. To ensure our children have that opportunity, Oklahoma – and every state—must raise the bar for education standards so that our children can compete worldwide.

“Common Core was created with that well-intentioned goal in mind. It was intended to develop a set of high standards in classrooms across the nation that would ensure children graduated from high school prepared for college and a career in an increasingly competitive workforce. It was originally designed as a state-lead – not federal – initiative that each state could choose to voluntarily adopt.

“Unfortunately, federal overreach has tainted Common Core.  President Obama and Washington bureaucrats have usurped Common Core in an attempt to influence state education standards. The results are predictable. What should have been a bipartisan policy is now widely regarded as the president’s plan to establish federal control of curricula, testing and teaching strategies.

“We cannot ignore the widespread concern of citizens, parents, educators and legislators who have expressed fear that adopting Common Core gives up local control of Oklahoma’s public schools. The words ‘Common Core’ in Oklahoma are now so divisive that they have become a distraction that interferes with our mission of providing the best education possible for our children. If we are going to improve our standards in the classroom, now is the time to get to work.

“For that reason I am signing HB 3399 to repeal and replace Common Core with Oklahoma designed and implemented education standards. I am committed, now more than ever, to ensuring these standards are rigorous. They must raise the bar – beyond what Common Core offers – on what we expect of our students. Above all, they must be developed with the goal of teaching children to think critically and creatively and to complete high school with the knowledge they need to succeed in college and in the workforce. I also ‘get it’ that Oklahoma standards must be exceptional, so when businesses and military families move to Oklahoma they can rest assured knowing their children will get a great education.

“The process of developing new, higher standards will not take place overnight, nor will it be easy. It will require hard work and collaboration between parents, educators, employers and lawmakers. Developing these standards is worth the effort; because our children’s education is that important to our state. Their futures, as well as Oklahoma’s future prosperity, depend on our ability to write and implement education standards that will prepare our children for success. I know Oklahoma is up to that challenge.

“My thanks go out to the educators and schools that have already worked hard to raise expectations and standards for our children. I know they will continue to build on those efforts as we move forward together as a state.”

OKGOP'S McLarty to Gov. Fallin: sign HB3399

Carolyn McCarty, OKGOP National Committeewoman, has penned an open letter to Governor Mary Fallin, requesting her to sign HB3399 (Common Core repeal) into law. McLarty also asks fellow Oklahoma Republican Party activists to co-sign her letter, viewable at this link. I added my name - will you?

The letter:

Dear Governor Fallin,

On Friday, the State House and Senate passed HB3399, the repeal Common Core, by a huge margin. The legislature also granted the emergency clause for the immediate implementation upon your signature so that teachers, students, and parents have certainty for the upcoming school year.

HB3399 answers the prayers and the wishes of a majority of parents and teachers in our state. It follows the principles of our Republican National Platform, the Resolution of the Republican National Committee, the Oklahoma State Resolution passed overwhelmingly in the OKGOP State Committee, and your Executive Order.

HB3399 codifies in statute your Executive Order to stop the over-reach of the Federal Government in our local schools so that we will not cede control of our children’s education to the federal government or private corporations. It also maintains that parents have a rightful place in the decision making for their child’s education.

HB3399 reinforces your longstanding commitment and declarations that Oklahoma schools should have the highest standards so that Oklahoma students are college and career ready and Oklahoma has a well-educated and successful workforce.

Now that HB3399 has passed, you have a tremendous gift to enforce the will and intent of the people. As Chairman of the National Governors Association, you have the opportunity at this moment to make the course correction away from Federal intrusion and lead all the states out of this very tenuous situation.

It is with thankful expectation that we Oklahoma Republican Party members present to you this request to sign HB3399.

Sincerely,

Carolyn McLarty Republican National Committeewoman for Oklahoma

Senate Education Committee to hear anti-Common Core bill

Senate Ed Committee to hear bill assuring higher standards/complete state control
(link)

The Senate Education Committee will consider House Bill 3399 on Monday. The measure provides for the development and adoption of new English and math standards and assessments while prohibiting the State Board of Education from entering into any contract or agreement with any federal agency or private entity that would cede or limit state control.

Sen. Josh Brecheen, R- Coalgate, and Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, are Senate co-authors of the measure.

"Governor Fallin and Superintendent Barresi are to be commended for their leadership and insistence in higher standards,” Brecheen said. “With the committee substitute to HB 3399 we are ensuring Oklahoma's standards can exceed those of Common Core without surrendering state control through a well-written firewall that safeguards our students.”

Brecheen said the goal is to reduce the need for remedial classes after high school, helping more students successfully complete a college degree or Career-Tech certification.

"I am glad that we are responding to the people and moving forward on this issue. It is time we put Oklahomans back in charge of educating our children,” Sykes said.

Under the committee substitute for HB 3399, the State Board of Education would work with higher education and Career-Tech officials to adopt new English and mathematics standards by August 1, 2015.

House Speaker Jeff Hickman is the principal author of HB 3399.

“It is essential that we create standards that push our children to achieve in the 21st Century," said Hickman, R-Fairview. “This option gives Oklahoma the flexibility to establish quality standards aimed at success and resist any overbearing federal intrusion into decisions that should be made by the states. We have proven Oklahoma can be an economic leader, and we can prove that Oklahoma can also lead the way in student achievement.”

House co-author of the measure is Rep. Jason Nelson.

“This respects local control by placing decision making authority regarding curriculum, textbooks, learning materials, and reading lists with local school districts,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “We all want high standards which are developed and controlled by Oklahomans and that prepare our students for active citizenship.”

Under the legislation, school districts will have the exclusive right to determine instructional materials, curriculum, reading lists and textbooks.

Jenni White is the president of Restore Oklahoma Public Education.

“We are thankful to the bill's authors for their tireless work on HB 3399, and are truly grateful to House and Senate leadership for soliciting our input,” White said. “It will be a great relief to finally repeal the Common Core State Standards from Oklahoma law.”

Carolyn L. McLarty, Republican National Committeewoman for Oklahoma, joined White in her support of the legislation.

“In supporting the Senate committee substitute to HB 3399, I am very pleased that our legislators have found a constructive way to come together, listen to input from the people, follow the intentions of the Governor’s executive order, and act to help protect Oklahoma students, teachers and parents from federal control of education,” McLarty said.

The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 24, in room 535 of the state Capitol. The Senate live-streams all floor sessions and committee meetings at www.oksenate.gov.

OK House votes to stop Common Core

The Oklahoma House of Representatives just voted 78-12 to approve HB3399, which stops Common Core in Oklahoma.

This comes the day that State Senate leadership essentially killed SB1764, the Senate version of HB3399. At the same time, the same Senate leadership says they will hear any House bill that makes it over to the Senate regarding Common Core.

Costello blasts Common Core

Commissioner Mark Costello Condemns Nationalized Common Core Takeover of Education

Carl Albert, Oklahoma’s Little Giant, credits much of his success to a schoolteacher from Bugtussle, Oklahoma. Albert was a National debate champion, Rhodes Scholar and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. His uncommon success is hard to imagine coming from today’s latest educational fad, Common Core. Excellence may be achieved from the factory floor; however, classrooms are not factories and children are not economic units.

Common Core is to education what Obamacare is to health, a centralized government process that strips local control away from parents, teachers, and school boards. Why the push by large non-profits to establish national education standards? Some have asserted the concept of “mass production” will lower per unit costs. In other words, the God given individual qualities and talents of each child will be restructured by a nationalized production process guided from a top down political structure.

George Will writes, the “timeline for adoption and implementation has been driven by the Obama administration’s Race to the Top program and its approach to No Child Left Behind waivers.”

Common Core is an assault on local control of education. In any of the fifty states and 19,429 local communities I would rather defer to a parent, who loves their child, to protect the interests of their child than to an elitist bureaucrat.

The large non-profit organizations pushing Common Core are reminiscent of the manufacture of the first mass produced automobile. Henry Ford said, “You can have any color of car that you want as long as it’s black.” Parental choice is eliminated as schools are pushed to have the same curriculum and textbooks.

Some have argued Common Core resembles the failed “No Child Left Behind” initiative that incentivizes teachers to teach to the test. In other words, students are taught to memorize rather than learn and develop critical thinking skills. As a founder of Oklahoma companies, I was most interested in those prospective employees who displayed critical thinking skills, not necessarily the ability to pass a test.

In Common Core the progress of the classroom teacher is measured by student performance on national standardized tests. Worst yet, Sandra Stotsky, a professor at the University of Arkansas, who served on the committee to validate Common Core standards said, “The standards dumb American education down by about two grades worth.”

William F. Buckley, Jr. once stated that he would rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than the faculty of Harvard University. I have full trust and confidence in the parents of Oklahoman that they will exercise better judgment than the large non-profits and the elites of Washington.

Oklahoma’s elected officials have no greater duty than protect the next generation of Oklahomans from this sweeping top-down federally centered power grab over local control of education. Eliminate Common Core lock, stock, and barrel. Eliminate Common Core under any name. Eliminate Common Core now.

Common Core last week: Fallin defends, OKGOP condemns

Wednesday, January 15th: 

"In a speech at the National Governors Association [January 15th], Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, chairwoman of the group, gave a strong defense of the Common Core State Standards as a state-led initiative that would provide better long-term prospects for the nation's students." (EdWeek.org)

Saturday, January 18th:

The Oklahoma Republican Party's State Committee passed (by a large margin) a resolution strongly condemning Common Core. (pdf link)