Dalton State will continue its focus on educational equality with two facilitated discussions, which will explore the topics Common Core and education funding.
Common Core has been hotly debated since the set of standards were put into place. The standards, developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, has been adopted by several states, including Georgia. States that adopted Common Core receive financial incentives from the federal government.
"But many ask if the standards are truly what’s best for the children, and do they provide students with an equal opportunity to learn." organizers stated.
That’s part of what the facilitated discussion, on Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Goodroe Auditorium in Memorial Hall, will explore.
Among those participating in the discussion is Jason O’Rouke, director for the Georgia Chamber of Center for Competitiveness. Mr. O’Rouke manages a portfolio of policy issues including Education and Workforce, Transportation, and Business and Industry. Also, participating are Dr. Jud Laughter, a professor at the University of Tennessee, and Spencer Gazaway, director of secondary curriculum for the Murray County School System.
Planned for Oct. 28, also at 6:30 p.m. in the Goodroe Auditorium, is a discussion on educational funding. Discussion will include how schools are funded and if it’s beneficial.
The panel for that discussion will include Claire Suggs, with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, Dr. Jim Hawkins, superintendent of the Dalton Public Schools, and Dr. Ken Ellinger, associate professor of political science for Dalton State.
The events are part of the College’s focus on inequality this year, which began with a series on economic inequality.
“As we continue exploring different aspects of inequality this fall, we are focusing this month on issues in education,” said Sandra Stone, vice president of academic affairs. “Our upcoming panel discussions will address issues of quality, presenting pros and cons of the controversial Common Core being discussed around the country, and funding, specifically looking at Georgia and how current funding policies and practices help or hurt local schools.”
A goal of public education is to “level the playing field,” she said, “making a quality basic education from kindergarten through 12th grade available to all, providing them with the foundations they need to pursue further study and/or a meaningful and productive career, as well as to establish themselves as informed, engaged citizens, who contribute to the general welfare of the community in which they live. Through the panel presentations and discussions to follow, we will explore what happens when the playing field is not level, and some children are advantaged as a result of geography, resources, and politics.”
Both events are free and open to the public.