TUESDAY TATTLER 7

State Representative Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) has once again shown his elitist arrogance by stating his refusal to hear a bill that directly supports Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz's stance on slowing down and re-evaluating the Common Core State Standards.  From the start the Common Core has been unpopular with educators, administrators, and parents across the state.  They were implemented by former Superintendent Tony Bennett and have been a contentious point of duscussion concerning everything from cost to possible conflict of interest of state representatives (Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) works for the man who wrote Common Core, one of its foremost promoters).

During the first half of the legislative session, by a bipartisan 38-11 vote, the Indiana Senate passed Senate Bill 193 to hold public hearings in every congressional district on Common Core,  and to study how much new tests, textbooks, and teacher training because of it would cost taxpayers.  This bill, although many feel it should never have been written, supports Superintendent Ritz's statement, “Common Core Standards must be re-evaluated. Indiana had exceptional standards before Common Core.” 

It should be within the Superintendent's power through the SBOE and as leader of the DOE to call for statewide review, without the necessity of legislative intervention through any bill regarding Common Core.  However, in a compromise with the bills original intent to put an immediate end to common core altogether, the Superintendent supported the amended bill calling for the statewide hearings.  With the legislature seemingly attempting to destroy her authority as the highest elected Democrat in state office, it is not surprising the Representative Behning has come out against a bill that would show even the slightest support for Superintendent Ritz.

As House Education Committee Chairman,  Representative Behning (R-Indianapolis) says no constituent or colleague concerns have changed his mind about refusing to hear the bill as it crosses from the Senate to the House.  With his arrogance swelling, Behning made some pretty questionable remarks regarding his constituents and the citizenry of Indiana.  After making comments that he is not excited about hearing the bill, he stated that if it is heard "it wouldn’t look like it does now,”  

Behning continued his statement regarding the bill by saying, “We’ve never ever gone to that level of public input."

He says,  “Frankly, most of the time the public would not have a very easy time even understanding what standards are, let alone trying to help form them.”

That sounds like a man who thinks so highly of himself, and his knowledge of education, that he would totally disregard the PUBLIC he is elected to serve because they would not even begin to understand what standards are.  Yes,  I am sure his life as a florits qualifies him to make such grand statements about education, and his constituency.  His pompous attitude is wearing on this writer, and I think it is time he speak to his constituents and explain why he appears to have no faith in their ability to communicate and understand discussions regarding education matters.

Mr. Behning, it is time you realize that your constituents are not only intelligent, they are also listening and watching your every move this legislative session, and your days may well be numbered come election time.  Enjoy your attempts to destroy our PUBLIC schools now, because your time is up and someone who actually knows something about education is coming for your seat!


Quotes and information thanks to The Heartland Institute Article "Indiana Common Core Bill Bottlenecked in House"