Common Core is California’s new program of academic standards starting this year. Assembly member Susan Bonilla says her bill, AB 484, would let instructors see where their students are based on those standards immediately.
“I think those formative assessments are going to be critical also to achieving what we all want to see, which is our kids coming out of school and being more successful,” says Bonilla.
Common Core emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving over memorization. Supporters say those skills will keep California students competitive for years to come.
“We heard from the business community that that’s what they need,” says Susan Bonilla. “They don’t need a kid who can take a test and do well, they need a kid who can think.”
The bill is headed to the Senate floor for a vote this week. From there it’s back to the Assembly for concurrence.