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Haslam, legislative speakers call education summit

Charla Sparks, center, of the Tennessee Parent Teacher Association, speaks at Tennessee's Education Summit on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Representatives of local governments, school systems and businesses are taking part in the summit, along with state senators and representatives. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Charla Sparks, center, of the Tennessee Parent Teacher Association, speaks at Tennessee's Education Summit on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Representatives of local governments, school systems and businesses are taking part in the summit, along with state senators and representatives. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

By Associated Press September 18, 2014 1 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam says he plans to have more discussions about education changes in Tennessee.

The Republican governor, along with the Legislature’s Republican House and Senate speakers, convened a summit on Thursday to review the ongoing education overhaul in Tennessee and plan for the future.

In attendance were elected officials, business leaders and representatives from about 24 organizations.

The discussion included topics on Common Core standards, accountability in education and school choice.

Haslam told reporters after the summit that he particularly wants to have more discussion on the controversial higher standards, which are aimed at improving schools and students’ competitiveness across the nation.

The governor says there are many people who don’t understand the standards, and he wants to provide clarification.