Survey: New Yorkers support improving, not repealing the Common Core standards

A new survey conducted by High Achievement New York, a pro-Common Core group, found that New Yorkers strongly support improving rather than repealing the Common Core education standards, and want state leaders to change the name of the controversial standards. 

The survey found that 53 percent of respondents would rather improve the current standards, while 26 percent want to repeal the standards and 45 percent of respondents supported changing the name. The poll surveyed nearly 500 respondents from across the state.

“The poll has a basic conclusion: We should listen to the parents, teachers and stakeholder who just invested a lot of time and talent to review the standards,” Stephen Sigmund, executive director of High Achievement New York, said in a statement. “While opponents of New York’s higher standards will complain, it is important that we focus on improving, not dismantling, high standards.”

In late September, the state Education Department released its new draft Common Core English language arts and math standards. In September 2015, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of the Common Core Task Force to conduct a review of the standards after mounting criticism and opt-outs of the state tests. Former state Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch also said the state is considering changing the name of the standards in a rebranding effort.

The survey found 55 percent of respondents supported the new revisions, and only 7 percent of respondents were against the recommendations.

“New York’s commitment to high learning standards is the best way to ensure our children are college and career ready,” Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, said in statement. “The state Board of Regents should take the necessary steps to improve the standards, while ensuring that the hard work already done by educators, parents and students does not go to waste.”

The online survey was conducted between Sept. 23 to Oct. 5 using SurveyMonkey.com and had 497 New York respondents.

The full survey can be found below.

High Achievement New York poll on Common Core standards by City & State NY on Scribd