The Common Core debate in education

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According to a 2009 study American students are ranked 25th out of 34 nations in mathematics, 14th in reading skills, and 17th in science. In an effort to improve American education, policymakers have developed new state standards called Common Core. While 40 states and Washington D.C. have adopted this new curriculum and testing, some states and many conservative groups have expressed concerns over the involvement of the federal government in local schools. Most recently several states, including Georgia and Oklahoma, have dropped the project in favor of creating their own tests.  Joining us to debate the issues of Common Core Standards are LINDSEY BURKE, a Will Skillman fellow in education policy at the Heritage Foundation and KATHLEEN PORTER-MAGEE, Senior Director of the High Quality Standards Program at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and a Bernard Lee Schwartz Policy Fellow.

(AP Photo/David Goldman)

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