State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Issues Statement on AB 1246 Signing
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement upon Governor Jerry Brown's signing of Assembly Bill 1246, by Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), that authorizes the adoption of Common Core instructional materials for mathematics by 2014 and provides districts flexibility in the selection of instructional materials:
"AB 1246 means we are one step closer to implementing Common Core standards in California—a practical way to prepare our kids for the challenges of a constantly changing world by learning the real-world skills they need for career and college. Despite our budget problems—which are very real—California must move forward now so that all children graduate ready to contribute to the future of our state and our country.
"With this legislation, the State Board of Education is now authorized to adopt math instructional materials aligned to the Common Core, and it also allows school districts to purchase any instructional materials that are aligned California's standards— providing both flexibility and consistency as we work to serve kids across California."
Supporters of this legislation included the Bay Area Council, the California School Boards Association, the California Teachers Association, Children Now, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, among others.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100