State School Chief Tom Torlakson Comments on
Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Regarding AB 484
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's opposition to Assembly Bill 484, which would overhaul California's assessment system to address the deeper learning called for by the Common Core State Standards:
"This legislation will continue to be guided by what's right for California's children—moving forward with instruction and assessments reflecting the deeper learning and critical thinking our students need to compete and win in a changing world.
"Our goals for 21st century learning, and the road ahead, are clear. We won't reach them by continuing to look in the rear-view mirror with outdated tests, no matter how it sits with officials in Washington.
"We look forward to the opportunity to make our case to the Administration when the time comes. When we do, we hope they agree that withholding badly needed funds from California's students would be a grave and serious error."
The bill is awaiting action on the floor of the State Senate.
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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