Statement from Senate Education Chair John Ford on approval of education standards

“Both the Senate and the House have passed legislation approving the new English Language Arts and Mathematics standards. Additionally both resolutions included suggested improvements and instructions intended to assure that the State Department of Education provides assistance to educators in developing their curriculum, and review clarifications and comments.

“With the actions of each chamber approving their respective resolutions, this reflects the members’ approval of these standards, giving educators time to implement the standards for the coming school year. The State Board of Education can address the recommendations made by both chambers without statutory action; therefore it is not necessary that either resolution be sent to the governor.”—Sen. John Ford, Chair, Senate Education Committee