06/09/15  State Representative Wardlaw Discusses Common Core

Arkansas officials have moved to change the state's standardized testing provider as part of an ongoing review of whether to retain Common Core education standards. 8^th District State Representative Jeff Wardlaw addressed that issue on KQ-102.3's South Arkansas Sunrise last Friday morning.

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced yesterday that the state will terminate its agreement with Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, known as PARCC, and instead contract with ACT. The Governor's Council on Common Core Review recommended the move because of ACT's national recognition and shorter testing times. The Arkansas Department of Education will pursue a contract with ACT to provide testing services for the 2015-16 school year. The council hasn't made a final recommendation on the Common Core standards and is conducting a statewide listening tour.