Responding to Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order Committing to Eliminate Common Core in Florida

Florida’s long Common Core nightmare is coming to an end.

For years students, parents and teachers suffered under the pressure and misguided effects of Common Core. Thanks to Executive Order Number 19-32 issued by Governor DeSantis, Common Core will be eliminated, and the burden lifted from Florida’s students.

By January 1, 2020 the Commissioner of Education must provide recommendations to the Governor that will eliminate Common Core standards, increase the quality of the instructional curriculum and streamline testing.

When we first started fighting to improve K-12 education in Florida, Florida Citizens’ Alliance identified Common Core as standards, curriculum and testing.  Four years ago, we actually were successful in getting a bill filed to address all of these elements. Sadly, many legislators ignored parent concerns and the damage being done by Common Core.

Two years ago, we convinced the legislature to pass and the governor to sign a bill giving parents and residents of Florida a louder voice in the discussion. Now the governor has listened to the people and provided a framework for permanently solving each of these interlocking pieces of the Common Core puzzle.

We commend the governor for his insight and courage in addressing these vital issues. He is actually listening to the people and putting our children first.

We also commend Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran for his contribution and leadership to this bold initiative. Commissioner Corcoran has an established track record of putting Florida’s children first as well. We look forward to supporting his innovative efforts to find solutions that improve student learning.

This is truly a day to celebrate. When we started this fight, no one would listen. Common Core was a toxic topic. Legislators and educators closed ranks and told all of us that they knew what was best for our children. Now our Governor and Commissioner of Education are listening. Now Common Core is evaporating before our eyes.

We at Florida Citizen’s Alliance also want to thank our many partners in this fight all across Florida. You did not grow weary in well doing. You did not give up in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. You did not and would not remain silent when our children needed advocates.

You endured. You persevered. You overcame. You refused to surrender your children to Common Core.

You are the champions for our children. You earned this victory.

There is much work to be done. We will do our part to help carry the load.

There will be many people trying to sidetrack what the governor has started.

Of that there is little doubt.

Let there also be no doubt that Florida Citizens’ Alliance and our partners across Florida will continue to work and, when necessary fight, for our children. We will never quit. Our work will not be finished until every parent in Florida is satisfied with the educational options available for their children. We will press on until every child has every opportunity to achieve his or her highest aspirations.

Today we celebrate and celebrate and celebrate.

Tomorrow we start fresh. Our continuing mission: real solutions that improve student learning. Because Florida Kids Deserve Better!

Executive Order 19-32: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EO-19-32.pdf