MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
Before a crowded room Dr. Tommy Bice made it clear.
"We will not allow the federal government or any other politically motivated entity try to force us to make decisions that aren't right for the students in our state."
Increased federal oversight has been the main concern when it comes to the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards--also known as Common Core.
Opponents don't believe these national standards have Alabama students' best interests at heart.
"The standards that we have adopted, 100% Common Core standards, were not written in Alabama for Alabamians," says Becky Gerritson.
The National Governor's Association and the Chief Council of State School Officials sponsored Common Core.
"Common is not good enough for Alabama. We want the best standards written by Alabamians," adds Gerritson.
Dr. Bice spoke candidly about Alabama's acceptance of the standards and that state educators vetted them and asked for public input prior to adoption.
"I don't dismiss their concerns. And we listened. I listened very intently in those meetings."
The standards have been accepted in all but 5 states--Texas, Alaska, Nebraska, Minnesota and Virginia.
And while Alabama now adheres to these national benchmarks, Bice says the federal government is still at arm's length.
"Do I want them telling us or anybody else telling us what's right in Alabama? Not necessarily. I may have something I can learn from them."
Now, the decision lies in the hands of state legislators as a Senate committee is expected to vote on a bill that could repeal 'Common Core.'
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Dr. Tommy Bice speaks about the benefits of Common Core Standards.
