The Independent

Vitter now opposes Common Core

by The Associated Press

Four months ago, Vitter, a Republican running for governor, described his strong support for the multistate standards. But on Monday, the senator said Louisiana needs to stop using Common Core.

Photo by Derek Bridges/Wikimedia

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - U.S. Sen. David Vitter has changed his mind on the Common Core education standards.

Four months ago, Vitter, a Republican running for governor, described his strong support for the multistate standards. But on Monday, the senator said Louisiana needs to stop using Common Core.

The position puts him at odds with business leaders who donate to political campaigns, but puts him back in the good graces of conservative groups.

In an email, Vitter says he changed his mind after listening to parents, teachers and others. He says he now believes Common Core is controlled by national groups and the standards are causing too much frustration for parents and teachers.

The gubernatorial candidate says Louisiana should establish its own standards and testing.

Term-limited Gov. Bobby Jindal also opposes Common Core.