BESE Meets in Special Session Tuesday to Talk About Common Core

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets Tuesday in special session to talk about the future of Common Core.
BESE Member Jane Smith has some concerns about the meeting. She says the agenda looks like some members want to meet behind closed doors. But she does not think that would be legal and she will fight that proposal.

You can listen to Smith's interview on KEEL by clicking on the link below.

She provided KEEL News with this letter:

It is imperative that we provide leadership to the school districts as they are making plans for the 2014-2015 school year. During the last few days, much discussion has ensued regarding the scheduled Tuesday, July 1 BESE meeting. There are individuals and groups on both sides of the debate and a definitive decision relative to the status of testing for the 2014-2015 school year should be offered.
Three BESE members, Carolyn Hill, Jane Smith, and Lottie Beebe, have stepped forward to request a meeting to discuss possible solutions. For the upcoming school year and as a short term solution, we are recommending the use of the LEAP and iLEAP from last year. These tests meet state standards required by law. In the meantime, Louisiana could begin to work on a Louisiana assessment orchestrated by true Louisiana educators from across our school districts.
By utilizing these same series of assessments, accountability can continue with some assurance of consistency and familiarity given that teachers, schools, and districts are presented with serious consequences under the current laws of the state (voucher / charter /state takeover / pay for performance salary schedules).
During the 2014-2015 school year, we can continue the discussion of viable options with the input from education stakeholders. BESE, in our opinion, should not be discussing possible litigation. It is critical that we proceed with our responsibilities as members of the state board of elementary and secondary education (BESE). We have a responsibility to ensure quality educational experiences for all students. It is important that we have a PLAN B. We believe this is what our constituents would expect from board members.We believe this is the right thing to do for parents, students and the entire educational community.

We look forward to hearing from you in regards to a special meeting.
Sincerely,

Lottie P. Beebe, BESE District 3-337.412.2564
Carolyn Hill, BESE District 8
Jane Smith, BESE At-Large Member