Democratic Platform Hails Common Core, Praises Teachers
Charlotte, N.C.
The Democratic Party has released its official platform for 2012, and there's at least one section that might raise eyebrows among education observers.
The platform put out Monday states that President Barack Obama and Democrats in general are intent on providing states and communities with the "flexibility and resources" to improve K-12 education. It then goes on to say:
"To that end, the President challenged and encouraged states to raise their standards so students graduate ready for college or career and can succeed in a dynamic global economy. Forty-six states responded, leading groundbreaking reforms that will deliver better education to millions of American students."
This is a clear reference to the Common Core State Standards in English and math, which were the work of the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers and adopted by states on an individual basis. The Obama administration has not insisted on the common core specifically for states adopting new content standards, saying only that such standards must prepare students for college and careers. But in this platform, it appears