The State Board of Education on Thursday approved a revised set of regulations amending academic standards for Pennsylvania public schools.
The Pennsylvania Common Core standards, derived in part from English and math expectations crafted by the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers, became a target of criticism this past spring as they moved through the regulatory approval process. In May, Gov. Tom Corbett asked for changes to the proposal.
The revised regulations make clear that the state government will not enact reading lists or a statewide curriculum and will not include national assessments as part of state testing without legislative approval, or for students in special education after consultation with teachers and parents.
The package of regulations also includes the requirement that students show proficiency on the Keystone Exams or an equivalent assessment to graduate.
The board vote allows the regulations to continue through the approval process.
First Published: September 13, 2013, 4:00 a.m.
