State Senator Ken LaValle Statement On Board of Regents Members Vote

Albany, March 11, 2014 - Today, on behalf of the anxious students and frustrated parents and teachers I represent, I will oppose all four of the Regents the Assembly brought before us for a vote.  I cannot and will not accept the status quo from the Board of Regents- the group responsible for the flawed implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards – who seem to have turned a deaf ear on the demand of so many to delay the implementation process.  

My Senate Colleagues and I have repeatedly expressed our displeasure with the flawed roll-out to the State Education Department and its Board of Regents. Those recommendations were ignored and the Regents have done little to alleviate the concerns we and others have raised.  It is time for the Board of Regents to hear our calls and to join us in this effort.

I continue to support the goals of an improved education curriculum that raises standards and ensures our students are college and career ready. While I remain committed to this goal, one of the most important responsibilities of an elected official is to reflect the will of his or her constituents.  Today, I will do so by voting against those most responsible for creating the anxiety and uncertainty facing our students.  It's time to clean up this mess.

This entire episode further demonstrates the flawed process by which New York selects its Regents.  I have introduced legislation and long advocated for a fair approach to the selection process.  I will continue these efforts during the 2014 Legislative Session.  

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