Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, addresses the Bradley County Commission regarding state legislation concerning Common Core standards in Tennessee.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The Bradley County Commission wants Common Core standards out of the classroom.
On Monday, the Bradley County Commission voted 9-4 to support Tennessee House Bill 2332, which calls for the state to “discontinue the use of common core standards in English language arts and mathematics” on July 1.
“If the state and local governments created their own set of standards, we can take the few good things in Common Core and implement them,” said Commissioner Jeff Yarber, who has repeatedly called for the state to reject the wholesale adoption of those standards. “With Common Core, we’re tied to the federal system, we’re tied to whatever the state does … like a dog on a chain.”
Those who voted to approve Yarber’s call to support HB 2332, which was co-sponsored by Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland, cited concerns associated with restrictions on teachers’ freedom to teach in the classroom.
“The truth of the matter is we continue to teacher-proof the classroom,” said Bradley County Commission Vice Chairman J. Adam Lowe. “My sole criticism of Common Core — as it’s been packaged — is that it handcuffs the teacher and treats them as if they are a robot.”