Lawmakers in Oklahoma have voted to repeal Common Core Standards for English and Mathematics, despite their introduction in over 40 other states.
The house voted 71-18 on Friday to reject the Common Core standards, replacing them with specific standards developed by the Oklahoma state Board of Education.
The bill was then passed by the Senate at a 31-10 vote and is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Mary Fallin to complete the state’s withdrawal.
Those in favor of the repeal believe the agreed decision will prohibit the federal government from having authority over state education standards. If signed, the bill would make Oklahoma the second state to drop the standards, following Indiana earlier in the year.
Specifically, the bill asks for standards to revert back to academic standards pre-2010 – known as Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS), while new standards are being developed.
State Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw, said “I’m absolutely convinced that Common Core curriculum is the most dangerous Trojan Horse that has yet been brought to our gates” during a house debate.
Opponents to the decision have argued that Common Core standards were developed by a mixed committee of educational chiefs and governors from 48 different states. State Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton, a longtime teacher and educator felt that many teachers she had spoken to supported Common Core standards.
She further argued that Common Core standards are required in Oklahoma, to allow academic competition at national level.
