State senator talks Common Core Standards

The Common Core Standards were the topic of discussion at the Idaho Falls Public Library Wednesday night. The group ‘Citizens Who Care’ hosted the event. The featured speaker was Idaho state Sen. Dean Mortimer from District 30 in Idaho Falls.

Organizer of the group, Jeanne Olson, said most of the people in attendance have not formed any opinion either for or against Common Core. She said this was an informational meeting.

Mortimer is in favor of Common Core, but said he will take the group’s overall feelings back to the Legislature.

“I am a strong proponent of Common Core. I believe we need to increase the standard for our students. We have a large percentage, 38 to 40 percent, of our students that are going onto higher education or different careers that are not prepared. We have to increase the standard and get them prepared. I believe there has been enough misinformation about Common Core that we will re-discuss that in this next legislative session. I’m not saying we will disapprove or approve. It’s already approved, but we will re-discuss Common Core,” said Mortimer.

Mortimer is vice chair of the Senate Education Committee.

The group plans to bring in a speaker who is against Common Core next month.