EPSB discusses Jindal’s statements on education

Governor Bobby Jindal’s statement regarding Common Core and PARCC assessment was the main topic of discussion for the Evangeline Parish School Board Wednesday, June 18.
Jindal, earlier that day, had announced he sent a letter to PARCC (Partnership of Assessments for College and Career Readiness) asking the organization to withdraw from the state. Jindal went on to state that federal government intrusion into state education was a major factor in this decision, along with the cost of the assessment (end of year testing).
Here in Evangeline Parish, Superintendent Toni Hamlin said the parish has been working to prepare for the PARCC assessment at a cost of over $2 million. Hamlin, along with board members, also stated that the main issue with the PARCC assessment has been the cost of the testing. She said Common Core and the increase in standards has actually provided some positives in education locally, stating that the quality of teaching has improved and teachers are working harder in the classroom.
The board also discussed Louisiana Department of Education State Superintendent John White’s statements that regardless of what Jindal said in his announcement, the state will continue to move forward with Common Core and PARCC.
Hamlin added that until the state makes a final decision on which direction it will be going, the current law calls for the use of Common Core and PARCC assessments and they will have to continue on that path until that law is either changed or altered by the state.
In the meantime, the board tabled the purchase of “Common Core aligned” math text books, at a cost of approximately $500,000, until Hamlin can report back to the board after a meeting next week involving both state and parish superintendents and the future curriculum and assessment plans for educators throughout the state.