Utah Senate backs resolution urging State Board to reconsider Common Core adoption

The Utah Senate on March 6 approved a resolution asking the State Board of Education to reconsider its planned adoption of the Common Core State Standards, citing member concerns about federal influence, assessment control and potential implementation costs.

Senator Osmond, sponsor of the second substitute to SCR 13, asked the Senate to “uncircle” the resolution and read letters from State Board officials and the state superintendent documenting the board’s work and willingness to hold public forums. Osmond said the resolution “simply acknowledges those concerns and respectfully asks that our State Board of Education reconsider their adoption of the Common Core as originally planned.”

Senate Majority Leader read two letters from State Board officials and Superintendent Larry Shumway describing Utah’s participation in interstate standards work, the board’s authority to adopt or withdraw from consortium arrangements, and the board’s intention to convene public forums with the Legislature’s education interim committee. Osmond and other supporters said the resolution is meant as support for the board and a call for additional public review, not an outright rebuke.

Opponents stressed that the Common Core is a state-led initiative developed by a consortium of states and that passage of the resolution risks creating confusion for teachers and school districts. Senator Romero said asking the board to “reconsider” without specifying changes creates uncertainty for educators implementing the standards. Senator McAdams and others argued the standards set higher benchmarks that prepare students for college and global competition.

Lawmakers also debated whether federal programs such as Race to the Top create de facto conditions that tie federal dollars to the standards. Supporters of the resolution voiced concern that access to federal funds could exert influence on state standards and assessments; proponents said the State Board has affirmed its authority and intends to solicit public input.

The Senate approved the second substitute SCR 13 by a roll-call vote of 21 yeas and 6 nays; two senators were absent. The resolution will be forwarded to the House for consideration.

What’s next: The resolution is advisory; it asks the State Board of Education to revisit its adoption process and to hold public forums with legislative participation. No change to law or immediate funding decision was made on the floor.

Sources: Floor debate and letters read into the record by the majority leader; State Board correspondences and the statements of sponsor Senator Osman and floor discussants.