Jenni White of Restore Oklahoma Public Education and Michael Petrelli of the Fordham Institute participated in a debate sponsored by Oklahoma Wesleyan University on November 11, 2014, called “Common Core Chaos?”

Oklahoma repealed the Common Core earlier this year and returned to their former standards while their new standards are being written. Throughout the debate Petrelli repeated that he “is worried” that without Common Core, Oklahoma children will not get the best education possible. “Are we sure Oklahoma’s new standards are going to turn out well? Maybe? It is a huge gamble. A huge risk. A huge unknown.”

State leaders were sold a bill of goods with the Common Core based on fear. They were told the Common Core would increase graduation rates without a shred of evidence that they would. If they did not adopt the Common Core, their graduation numbers would remain as they are or get worse.  In all reality, are we sure the Common Core standards are going to turn out well. Common Core is a huge gamble. A huge risk. A huge unknown.

Let me just say. I believe that parents want the best for their children. The argument that we should fear what local parents choose for the education of their children, is utter nonsense.

Thank-you Jenni White for standing up for parents, children and teachers.

If you missed the live debate, you can watch it here.