Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order that he says includes eliminating Common Core, which is a set of academic standards in math and English that students are required to master.
"When you complained about Common Core, I hear you. I told you I would do something about, and today we're acting to bring those promises into reality," said Gov. DeSantis at a Cape Coral news conference.
DeSantis said he heard from a lot parents on the campaign trail that have been frustrated with Common Core.
DeSantis said he's instructing Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran "to get to work on coming up with good standards for the State of Florida that will include eliminating Common Core and the vestiges of Common Core."
DeSantis said he wants to "get this right" and noted he spoke with a lot of teachers while campaigning for governor.
He said the order will require the education commissioner to come up with a road map that includes identifying ways to make civics education a priority in Florida.
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis tweeted that she also believes a strong civics education is important for the state's students.
Ron and I also believe in the value of a strong civics education. In order for our children and students to achieve the American Dream, they should have the opportunity to learn about the unique principles under which our nation was founded.
— Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) January 31, 2019
WPTV has posted a video of the governor's news conference here.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
