Opponents Of Common Core Fail To Advance Ban

A Kansas House committee has rejected a proposed ban on using multistate Common Core academic standards in the state’s public schools.

The Education Committee on Friday voted 10-7 against a bill preventing any school district or official from giving "any measure of control" over academic standards to any group outside Kansas.

Common Core foes split Friday over whether to pursue softer language for the bill to help it advance.

The State Board of Education in 2010 adopted Common Core standards for reading and math developed by the National Governors Association and education associations. Supporters see them as rigorous standards emphasizing critical thinking.

The standards have been strongly criticized over changes in how material is taught, but opponents haven’t been able to get a ban through the Legislature.