Common Core criticisms

An online petition aims to have Washington state rescind its Common Core adoption for public schools, the Race to the Top application, the No Child Left Behind waiver, and other related requirements.

The requirements are a set of learning standards that have been adopted in 45 states (Washington included), the District of Columbia and four territories.

Petition proponents claims the above application's requirements forced schools to adopt the Common Core requirements to receive federal funding.

The petition's backers want public schools to return to previous standards, according to the petition titled "Stop Common Core In Washington State." The document can be found online at www.gopetition.com.

Backers also want the state Attorney General to review the applications and contracts related to core standards and make sure private and personal information about students isn't sent outside school districts. Doing so should be considered a crime, according to the petition.

The petition also touts the importance of local control when it comes to adopting high standards, assessments and research-based curriculum.

Backers are pushing for lawmakers and residents to create a five-year plan to wean Washington state from federal funding for education.

A total of 316 people have signed the petition since it was posted April 19.

While this isn't a huge number on a statewide basis, it's interesting to note the concerns expressed in the petition.

Weigh in on the Common Core standards by visiting www.columbiabasinherald.com or by visiting our Facebook page. We also invite parents and educators to submit guest columns on this topic.

- Editorial Board