Sen. Boucher: Pressing Pause on Common Core

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) ranking member of the Education and Higher Education Committees of the General Assembly released the following statement today re: the administration’s request to amend the Connecticut Guidelines for Educator Evaluation.

“I am pleased the governor listened to teachers, parents and legislators from around the state and has now decided to press pause on these education reform measures. Education reform is important to the success of our school system and to the educating of our children.

“However, too much at once is never a good idea. Our teachers need to educate our students to the best of their ability and they cannot do that when they are feeling overwhelmed by many system changes all at once. Taking a step back and easing up on the implementation and number of observations in the teacher evaluations, along with not linking test scores and evaluations next year – is smart.

“I am also pleased Commissioner Pryor has decided not to waste hard-earned taxpayer dollars on a one million dollar marketing campaign for common core. This curriculum change did not come through the legislature. It did not go before the people. The money can be better spent in the classroom.”