School Board Member Ramps Up Opposition to Common Core

Barrington School Committee member Scott Fuller offered some additional information on his opposition to the Common Core State Standards as outlined in a Patch story last Friday, Jan. 3.

Fuller, a Cumberland math teacher and former administrator, offered, in particular, a link to a story in Education Week magazine that focuses on what are described as “ten colossal errors” of the Common Core standards.

Fuller described the story as: “A tightly constructed synopsis on why Common Core standards and it's implementation are bad for Barrington, the State, (and America).”

“There are dozens of links and much research that undergird these points, but this guy makes a pretty good stab at describing the major problems,” Fuller said of the author, a teacher for 24 years in Oakland, Calif., who now leads workshops for teachers. Click here for his website. 

“I hope this helps in your understanding of what I believe is a government over reach/power grab around what has always been a local franchise -- our schools.

“Interestingly enough,” said Fuller, “this has both liberals and conservatives nationally on the same side of the aisle, working to overturn this mess. Ditto in Rhode Island. I'm currently working with other School Committee members in the state to increase the awareness of the impact of CCSS. We're beginning to get a head of steam.”

Fuller said he is not alone in Barrington. He is working with three other Barrington residents, Tad Segal, his wife, Amy, and Emily Connor -- all parents. They have organized as Stop Common Core RI, which includes a significant amount of research and information on its website, said Tad Segal.

“We are the ‘little engine that could’,” said Fuller. This is a grassroots, non-partisan, statewide effort that has just begun.”

“By the way,” he said, “if you want a preview of what's coming to Rhode Island if this is not stopped, Google CCSS New York and read about the outrage of parents, teachers, superintendents, and administrators. There is an out-and-out rebellion taking place right now. NY is about one year ahead of RI in the implementation phase.” 

Fuller added: “There is just so much research and information available that opposes the CCSS. The 'train wreck' is there in plain sight.”

Fuller also said that “Florida and Kansas have decided to opt out of the CCSS test known as PARCC. California is not far behind. Massachusetts has put off the PARCC for two years. Many other states have called for a time out or have withdrawn from the CCSS consortium. The biggest problem: No LOCAL CONTROL or INPUT. Period.”

“Top down, 'educational experts' decide and we have to accept. What's the cost to taxpayers? Where's the transparency?”