Massachusetts Senate Bill S312

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

For the end of Common Core, and establishing certain other curriculum standards

Impact

If passed, Bill S312 would mandate the rescindment of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts adopted in 2010, reverting to the previous curriculum frameworks in these subjects. This change aims to empower Massachusetts educators, giving them greater authority to shape curriculum standards that prioritize the state's unique educational needs. The bill involves the formation of review committees comprised of local educators, emphasizing a localized approach to educational governance.

Summary

Bill S312, proposed in Massachusetts, aims to abolish the Common Core educational standards and replace them with new curriculum standards specific to the state. The bill highlights concerns from audiences such as parents, teachers, and educational authorities regarding the implications of the Common Core framework on educational quality and student performance. Advocates for the bill believe that local educational standards would better address the unique needs of Massachusetts students compared to the one-size-fits-all approach of the Common Core.

Contention

Opposition to S312 may arise from the fear that eliminating the Common Core could lead to inconsistencies in educational standards, potentially hurting student readiness for higher education and the workforce. Critics may argue that the Common Core, although often debated, provided a baseline of educational achievement that ensured uniformity across the state. Discussions around the bill are likely to involve differing perspectives on the efficacy of national vs. state-level educational standards, as well as concerns regarding the potential impacts on students' academic future.