Common ground: Left and right unite in Common Core opposition

By Ryan Ekvall | Wisconsin Reporter

MADISON — An unlikely alliance of progressives and tea party activists have found common ground in opposing Common Core State Standards in Wisconsin — even as the political elite on both sides support the new standards that are quickly spreading through schools.

Standing in the hallway that separates Assembly Majority Leader Robin Vos, R-Rochester from Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, two progressives and two tea party activists recently discussed leading the outside-the-Capitol charge against Common Core.

“What makes this not a left-right issue, what brings us together on this issue is that we care about our communities and our kids,” said Tim Slekar, dean of the School of Education at Edgewood College in Madison. “I’m no longer left or right, I’m a parent who’s doing what’s best for my kid.”

Slekar co-founded United Opt-Out National, an organization opposed to high stakes testing.

The Common Core is a set of national education standards meant to prepare students for “college and career readiness.” Proponents say the standards are “rigorous” and will help U.S. students compete internationally in the 21st century.

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