URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) - Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is standing by his support for a set of statewide school standards, called Common Core, even though it puts him at odds with some in his party.
Speaking at a congressional fundraiser Friday night in suburban Des Moines, Iowa, Bush tells Republicans that he's "not going to back down."
Common Core's voluntary goals in reading, language arts and math were designed by a bipartisan team and put in place in more than 40 states.
Some possible Republican presidential candidates such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie once supported Common Core but have backed away from the standards. A segment of Republicans view Common Core as a federal mandate.
Bush's visit Friday to Iowa is his first as a presidential prospect.