Implementation of Common Core Standards increases federal control of education, and negatively impacts private schools and home schools.

The state of Georgia applied for the federal Race to the Top grant, and by accepting these funds, agreed to adopt Common Core State Standards. This increases the federal footprint on education in the state. Citizen Impact, Georgia Association of Christian Schools, and Georgia Home Education Association stand with numerous other organizations and concerned citizens in support of Senate Bill 167. This legislation will declare void certain actions taken to implement Common Core State Standards.

“The direction towards reducing local control of education, and increasing federal control is not in the best interest of Georgia’s children who attend public schools. Additionally, it impacts private, Christian schools and home schools. They are compelled to consider and potentially adopt Common Core Standards as they strive to provide a similar education as schools in their area. Furthermore, as these national standards become more broadly accepted and adopted, college entrance exams will begin to reflect these standards, forcing private school and home school students to learn them to score well on these exams,” said Citizen Impact Executive Director, Paul A. Smith.

Another serious concern is the impact on the accreditation now used in private, Christian schools.

Citizen Impact, Georgia Association of Christian Schools, and Georgia Home Education Association urge the Senate Education Committee and the Georgia General Assembly to pass, and Gov. Deal to sign into law, Senate Bill 167.

Citizen Impact is a faith-based, non-profit organization with a strong educational arm which provides civics training to faith-based groups, and also serves as the public policy voice for hundreds of churches in Georgia as well as Christian schools and home schools. For more information please contact Citizen Impact Executive Director, Paul A. Smith, at 770-466-8156.