Pa. Common Core standards took heat, now adoption delayed

Governor Corbett has ordered a delay in the adoption of new high stakes standardized tests for Pennsylvania public schools.

The new Pennsylvania Common Core standards were supposed to be implemented in July. The class of 20-17 would need to pass the subject-specific tests before graduating. But Education Department spokesman Tim Eller says the postponement won’t result in any major changes.

“Even with a short delay we are confident that this will be in place before school students return to the classroom in the upcoming school year, so there will be no disruptions,” he said.

Pennsylvania Common Core has been taking heat from all sides, and Eller says the delay is meant to quell the fears of those opposed to the new standards.

Recent hearings brought conservative groups to the Capitol to protest such standards saying they would undermine local control. Democrats called for a moratorium to Common Core, saying schools shouldn’t be held to higher standards without getting more resources.