Adopting the nation’s “Common Core” public learning standards in North Carolina has become a contentious issue over the last year after being taken up by 45 other states.
Those throughout the state on either side of the issue — including public officials and lawmakers — should hold public forums on the matter in their respective communities, as not all North Carolinians may be able to drive to Raleigh to voice their opinion.
Last Thursday, about 60 members of the public earnestly fought for or against the issue at a public hearing in Raleigh. The hearing was before a state legislative research committee considering whether to recommend throwing out or overhauling such standards for state schools. Legislators could draft a bill next month in light of the hearing.
Contentious issues such as the adoption of Common Core standards have many economic and societal implications, which impact each and every person throughout the state. Recent matters of similar magnitude have been best handled with plenty of public discussion.
In October 2010, community hearings were held throughout the state to discuss ‘Raising the Age’ of juvenile court jurisdiction from 16 to 18. Juvenile caseworkers, community leaders, judges, parents, youth and legislators attended the meetings to discuss the repercussions of charging those age 16 and older as adults — a policy North Carolina still practices.
The meetings saw high turnouts in cities like Asheville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Wilmington, and in smaller towns.
Due to the insights gained at the public hearings, the initiative has seen bipartisan support. Such citizen-centered policymaking should be replicated in the interest of our state’s youth.
