To foster open communication on the Common Core State Standards, the State Board of Education heard both sides of the debate over the standards at its meeting Tuesday. The presentation focused on Missouri’s transition to revised academic standards and perspectives on what implementation of the standards means for students, teachers and parents.

Dr. Mary Byrne, co-founder of Missouri Coalition Against the Common Core outlined opposition to the Common Core State Standards during the Board’s morning session. She was joined by Dr. Karen Effrem, pediatric specialist in early childhood learning.

During the afternoon session, the Board heard remarks by Cheryl Oldham, vice president of education policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Brian Crouse of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce regarding the Chamber’s support of the Common Core to help improve education across the country. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce believes the standards are critical to preparing students for high-skill jobs and helping the U.S. maintain a competitive edge in a global economy.

“Most Missouri schools have already begun implementing the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math,” said Assistant Commissioner Sharon Helwig, “even though full implementation is not scheduled until the 2014-15 school year. Several national surveys have shown tremendous support for the standards from teachers, and we are certain the new standards will help us provide Missouri students with the quality education they deserve.”

The Common Core State Standards for English language arts and math have been incorporated into the Missouri Learning Standards and are expected to help Missouri reach its Top 10 by 20 goal of becoming a top 10 state in education by 2020.