Chris Christie gave an interview to the New Hampshire Union Leader yesterday while on a trip this week to the Granite State. When the topic of Common Core arose, Christie gave what may be his strongest comments against the standards to date:
“I’m open to changing it because it’s not working in New Jersey,” he said. The implementation, which he said first took place under former Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat, was difficult, according to Christie. He said one challenge is the lack of buy-in from parents, teachers and administrators. He said state-specific standards, like New Jersey had before, could be the go-to alternative.
While Christie has in the past voiced “grave concerns” with Common Core, and expressed “implementation regrets” when asked about the subject at CPAC, this is the first time (as far as I am aware) that the governor has suggested he might be amenable to an outright repeal of the standards.
The fact that Christie reportedly mentioned “the lack of buy-in from parents, teachers and administrators” as a reason for his position is a testament to the tireless efforts of moms and dads, both in New Jersey and across the country, to bring attention to the many problems with Common Core. It appears Christie may finally be hearing their concerns. How about you, Gov. Bush? Gov. Kasich?
Paul Dupont is a legislative assistant for American Principles in Action.
