Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and several of his Long Island Assembly Minority colleagues will be holding a pair of forums on Long Island to discuss the Common Core program and its effect on local education. These are the first of a slate of statewide forums to hear feedback on Common Core and the effects high-stake testing is having on children and educators alike. The legislators have invited educators, parents and other stakeholders to share their experiences with the federally-mandated curriculum. As Ranking Minority Member on the Education Committee, Ra feels these hearings will be crucial in addressing what is really important, namely whether or not these standards are causing our children to become discouraged and disinterested in their education. “No matter how well-intentioned the new standardized testing scheme was, it failed to take into consideration the human side of education. Rather than start the school year renewed and recharged, ready for the challenges of a new year, our children and teachers are beginning discouraged and anxious about tests and standards,” said Ra. “These forums will allow us to take an in-depth look at the new Common Core curriculum and ask if these new standards are being implemented properly and effectively.” Topics to be covered at the forums will include the components, implementation and evaluation of Common Core. The schedule for the events is as follows: Thursday, October 10
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Suffolk Community College
Van Nostrand Theatre located in the Sagtikos Arts & Sciences Building on the Michael J. Grant Campus
Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood Thursday, October 24
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SUNY Old Westbury
Duane L. Jones Recital Hall
223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury Due to time constraints, it is strongly recommended that those wishing to present oral testimony at this forum pre-register by contacting the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073 or minpaff@assembly.state.ny.us. Written testimony is also being accepted as well as letters expressing the impact Common Core has had on your children and/or students. For more information, please contact Assemblyman Ra’s office at 516-535-4095.