Senate Votes To Halt Common Core Standards

Photo: Elle Moxley/StateImpact Indiana

The bill's author, Sen. Scott Schneider halts implementation of Common Core standards until public hearings are conducted.

Indiana is a step closer to taking a momentary break from implementation of the Common Core educational standards. The state Senate Thursday passed legislation halting the nationally-developed set of academic standards adopted in 45 states.

The bill’s author, Indianapolis Republican Senator Scott Schneider, says he was initially approached by two parents concerned about the Common Core. His legislation originally eliminated the education standards; now, it halts implementation until the state Board of Education conducts public hearings in each of the state’s nine congressional districts.

Gary Democratic Senator Earline Rogers says not only has the state already spent money beginning to implement the standards, but a wide variety of organizations, such as the Parent Teacher Association, support Common Core.

“So we’re talking about two parents being concerned versus a statewide organization with 26 thousand members who support Common Core,” Rogers says.

Terre Haute Democrat Tim Skinner says he does not see the problem with slowing down the process.

“I like the idea of having meetings around the state of Indiana and having people from the public to have input into the Common Core,” Skinner says.

The bill still requires a vote from the state Board of Education after the public hearings are held. The board unanimously reaffirmed its support of the educational standards in a vote Wednesday.