PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 Contact: Office of Senator Paul Farrow; 608-266-9174

Pewaukee Republican looks to hear public comments on school standards in Madison and throughout Wisconsin

FARROW TO LEAD SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COMMON CORE

Madison Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) has recommended the creation of a new Senate Select Committee to discuss and hear public opinion regarding the Common Core State Standards, which has been created to prepare Americas students for college placement and eventual success in the workplace. Fitzgerald has asked first-term State Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) to lead the Special Committee as its Chairman. Farrow will be joined on the committee by Republican Senators Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). Democrats serving on the committee will be named by Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) at a later date. All residents of Wisconsin should have an opportunity to share their questions and concerns on matters related to education and specifically the Common Core State Standards. This committee is tasked with taking on one of the most controversial issues relating to education and I am sure each member is up to the challenge, stated Farrow. My intention is to have this committee hear from all interested citizens. It is my hope that we gain information from education experts, teachers, school administrators, and engaged parents and students. Upon final approval by the Senate Committee on Organization, Senator Farrow has stated the first hearing on Common Core State Standards will be held on Thursday, October 3rd from 10:00am until 5:00pm in Madison at the State Capitol. Additional hearings will be announced in the coming weeks and will be held in other regions of the state. The Common Core Standards were adopted by the State Superintendent in 2010, with limited input from interested groups and citizens, said Farrow. The goal for Wisconsin should be to provide a platform of success for all our students. The standards that they will be measured by should be Wisconsin Standards and must be competitive with nations around the world. For more information on the public informational hearings or to share your questions and thoughts with the committee, please contact Senate Farrows office by calling toll-free (800) 863-8883 or by email at Sen.Farrow@legis.wi.gov. ###