An Implied Threat to Remove Exxon Mobil From States That Refuse Common Core? | Truth in American Education

An Implied Threat to Remove Exxon Mobil From States That Refuse Common Core? | Truth in American Education:

An Implied Threat to Remove Exxon Mobil From States That Refuse Common Core?

Filed in Common Core State Standards by Shane Vander Hart on December 13, 2013 • 0 Comments

Rex Tillerson
CEO of Exxon Mobil

I was disturbed to read a letter sent from Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon Mobil,  to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett last May after Governor Corbett announced a brief pause in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards.  Below is the text of the letter.  You can read the original here.

Dear Governor Corbett:

Exxon Mobil applauds and shares your commitment to ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania is prepared with the skills to compete in today’s workforce.  I also appreciate your strong support for the Common Core, including changes to reflect a “Pennsylvania Common Core,” and the potential it has to help your state’s students and teachers.  Your counterparts in New Jersey and Wisconsin, Governors Christie and Walker, and many other leading policymakers have been equally supportive.  However, I was disappointed to learn of the misinformation opponents of this critical effort are advancing, which subsequently led your administration to delay its implementation.  I urge you to make the necessary clarifications quickly and move forward with the Pennsylvania Common Core.

Like you, I believe the Common core will help ensure our students develop the skills and knowledge they need for success in college and careers.  This voluntary state-led effort