Testimony in Support of Common Core

Testimony in support of Common Core

Good morning Chairman Huffman, distinguished members of the House Rules and Reference Committee, and guests.

My name is Anthony Vitanza, I’m from Avon, Ohio, am a former educator and principal, and am a member of StudentsFirst Ohio. I am here in support of Common Core for Ohio.

I want to thank the committee for allowing me the opportunity to address my concerns. I believe that Common Core is a step in the right direction for Ohio’s students and families.

My own experience and beliefs displays the need for Common Core. I spent thirty years as a teacher (three Years) and school administrator (27 years) in the Cleveland School District. In that time I saw many, too many, superintendents and other administrators come and go. All had their ideas on how the district should be led. Some were good, some not so good. I think I heard the phrase uttered by staff “This too shall pass” several hundred times during my career. There was nothing presented to anchor the education students received. The adoption of the Common Core standards would give stability to the desired outcomes of all Ohio students. I reviewed some of the Common Core standards and a few things come to mind that I think would be very beneficial to the greater good in Ohio’s educational plans.

First, it would give all districts an extensive footing on which to stand. Our larger school districts have a problem with students moving from school to school and district to district. Common Core would allow students to move and still maintain the same educational goals. This would alleviate much of the anxiety experienced by these students as they seek to adjust to a new environment, as it will give them the same educational targets they had at their previous school.

Secondly, the Common Core standards raise the bar for all students. For some inexplicable reason some segments of our society are calling for the lessening of our young people achieving high goals and standards. Giving everyone a trophy for participating in a sport instead of recognizing those individuals and teams who excel.Doing away with grades so students don’t feel bad about themselves. Not recognizing excelling students as valedictorians because it would slight others. What are we doing to our young people?

Third, and perhaps most important to me, is the possibility that through Common Core we could recognize teachers who will excel at teaching these standards and use them to model and mentor those who are having a problem in the classroom. Perhaps, also, we will be able to identify textbooks, materials and other educational tools that effectively stimulate student’s curiosity to enhance their learning experience.

Common Core will raise the bar for our students and have them better prepared for college and other post-high school experiences and training. What we are doing presently in education is not working for far too many of our students. We need to change directions and Common Core is an excellent way to do it. We must take the bold step to adopt Common Core and defeat this repeal effort.

Thank you for listening to my concerns. I hope you vote against this legislation and for the future of our students. The Common Core State Standards move our education system one step closer towards a quality education for every student in Ohio.