Senators vote against blocking education standards

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Senate panel has voted not to block the implementation of nationwide education standards in math and reading.

The subcommittee voted 7-3 Thursday against a bill to block implementation of the Common Core education standards. The bill will still be considered by the full committee despite the unfavorable recommendation.

The state Board of Education adopted in July 2010 the standards on what kindergarten- through 12th-grade students should learn in the classroom. Forty-four other states have adopted the standards, replacing what now varies from state-to-state.

Opponents call it a nationalization of public education and say South Carolina needs to maintain control.

But supporters of new standards say they are a state-led effort to improve competitiveness and not a federal mandate.

Full implementation and testing under the standards is set for 2014-15.