State Education Commissioner John King is holding a forum in Albany this evening on the new Common Core curriculum standards in New York's schools, a change that has been controversial in the state.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered some support to King and top state education officials, who have received much criticism for the implementation of Common Core.
Cuomo said he understands that change can be difficult, even when it’s the right choice.
“When you come in with a big change, there’s normally fits and starts, and it’s a little jerky, so that’s to be expected," Cuomo said. “But Common Core curriculum, nationwide that’s where the country’s going, that’s the state of the art.”
King has been criticized for canceling a series of forums for parents around the state to talk about the new Common Core standards for school children, after the first meeting in Poughkeepsie turned confrontational. The rescheduled forums will be in a different format.
Some parents are angry because two-thirds of the state’s students initially failed the new Common Core tests.There have even been calls for King’s resignation.
Cuomo said he doesn’t think that should happen, and that it’s not his place to decide whether King stays or goes. The education commissioner is chosen by the State Board of Regents, whose members are appointed by the legislature.
