Senate to Continue Work on Common Core State Standards Legislation

The Senate Floor Leader announced today the Senate will not hear Senate Bill 1764, which had been amended to include some language on the state’s Common Core State Standards. Instead, the Senate will continue to work with House and executive leadership on language to ensure no rash decisions are made and policy changes are carefully considered and vetted by all interested parties as to avoid unintended consequences.

“Educating our children is one of government’s top priorities, and it is essential that we first and foremost get the policy right. Senate Bill 1764 has been amended several times to include dramatic changes to our state’s education policy—none of which were filtered through our traditional committee process—which must be fully vetted,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Schulz, R-Altus.

“I think we can all agree this issue is of utmost importance to not only legislators, but children, parents and teachers across the state. There have been concerns raised about the policy in the amendments on SB 1764 that have given us pause—we don’t want any unintended consequences,” Schulz said. “We will continue to work with House and executive leadership to ensure local control of our education system is maintained, standards and accountability remain high, and our students are afforded the very best educational experience possible. This deadline is merely one step in the process, and with House bills continuing to move forward, there is still plenty of time to work on this legislation.”

"We have the assurance of the Senate Education Chairman that a bill that addresses Common Core and passes the House floor will receive a hearing in his committee. We also have the commitment from Senate Leadership that there will also be a floor vote allowed on that bill if it moves forward,” said Sen. Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate, and author of SB 1764. I appreciate the commitment of Senator Schulz to continue working on this issue and I appreciate the indulgence of my colleagues. This is a tough issue that is of utmost importance to Oklahoma's parents and future of their children. I have every reason to believe the House will pass a reasonable bill authored by the Speaker."