PANEL DISCUSSES NEW FEDERAL CORE CURRICULUM STANDARDS’ IMPACT ON CALIFORNIA STUDENTS

Los Angeles, CA – Wednesday, September 14, 2011 – “Common Core Standards: One Size Fits All?” is the topic of a panel discussion presented by Town Hall Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at New Roads School in Santa Monica.  Angelenos will have an opportunity to ask educators what impact the new federal core curriculum standards will have on California's students.

The Common Core State Standards were adopted in August 2010, by California's State Board of Education in response to Senate Bill X5 1 (Steinberg).  The bill calls for California's academic content standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics to be examined against the national academic standards for common core curriculum, spearheaded by the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State Schools Officers. 

Adoption of common standards was required for "Race to the Top" applications. Common Core fosters both academic and life skills in the standards it sets for Language Arts and Mathematics; its standards aim to be fundamental, rigorous, coherent, measurable and internationally benchmarked. Though California’s Department of Education serves over 6.2 million students¬, the most in the nation, yet only 78.59% of students graduated from California schools in 2010.

The panel of education experts includes Paul F. Cummins, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, New Visions Foundation; and Chris Minnich, Senior Membership Director, Council of Chief State School Officers. The moderator is Mike Soules, President, Corwin Press.  

This is another in an ongoing education series presented by Town Hall Los Angeles.  In 2011, Town Hall convened two conferences on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) disciplines. 

One of the Top 10 Leadership Forums in the nation, Town Hall Los Angeles advocates for no side, represents no particular ideology, and stands solidly in support of free speech, civility and a belief that knowledge is a priceless commodity. Join us as we ramp-up to our 75th Anniversary, visit www.townhall-la.org.

All accredited members of the media are invited to cover this event.  RSVPs required. Contact Deborah Weinberg at 213.312.9307 or dweinberg@townhall-la.org.

**Please credit Town Hall Los Angeles in your coverage.