Business groups fighting back in support of Common Core
ALBANY—Critics of the Common Core in New York have been winning the debate about the controversial education standards, but now they'll face a counterattack backed by a considerable investment.
High Achievement New York, a nonprofit coalition of mostly business groups, plans to launch a roughly $500,000 phone and digital advertising campaign over the next several weeks in an attempt to promote the controversial curriculum standards.
New York's business groups have long been among the state's most vocal supporters, arguing that a Common Core education will help close the skills gap that makes it difficult for companies to recruit qualified workers. Following a national trend, they're backing up their efforts with advertising and outreach campaigns.
“We want every child to have a chance at a great education, and that is why community leaders, educators and businesses have joined together to ensure that the high standards and dedication to excellence that the Common Core promotes make it into every classroom,” said Frank Thomas, the group's executive director.
The coalition last week released a series of teacher testimonial videos on its website and social media. In the coming weeks, the group will deploy robocalls, as well as banner and video ads on the web, in an effort to “change the perception about the Common Core and what it means,” Thomas told Capital.
The campaign is reflective of business groups' efforts on a national level. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups launched an advertising blitz in March in an effort to combat Tea Party notions that the Common Core is a federal power grab. That campaign also featured teacher testimonies.
The collective advertising campaign follows individual efforts from business lobbyists and chambers of commerce to educate other business owners about the standards.
The Business Council of New York State, which is a member of the coalition, has held informational sessions around the state, its president and C.E.O. Heather Briccetti said.
“Let's not get distracted by some of the arguments that are being raised in the pain of transition,” said Briccetti, summarizing her pitch to businesses about the Common Core. “Let's focus on having the confidence that when students graduate from high school, they are ready for college and career.”
John Ravitz, a former Republican assemblyman who is now executive vice president of the Business Council of Westchester County, said he believes the Common Core will help Business groups fighting back in support of Common Core | Capital New York:
