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Common Core to remain in place until at least January 2020

Posted at 7:32 PM, Feb 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-08 07:33:26-05

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida's Department of Education said Thursday it will keep Common Core in place until at least Jan. 1, when recommendations for new academic standards are scheduled to be released.

RELATED: Local parent, teacher react to Gov. DeSantis' order

Shannon Hert has a unique perspective on this week’s announcement that new education standards are coming to Florida.

She’s a Martin County elementary school teacher.

“It took a couple of years before teachers even wanted to change into even teach the Common Core," recalled Hert Thursday.

She's also the creator of an online program, United 4 Math, designed to help students and parents learn today’s math.

“We want to teach kids how to think critically and use the tools that they have in order to solve problems," said Hert.

Hert is pleased that the governor is taking action.

“Because as teachers we’re constantly monitoring the progress of our students. So as Governor he needs to monitor the progress of the standards we’re setting forth for those students.”

The Department of Education says school districts should continue to follow state law and State Board rules regarding assessments until further notice.

Tuesday, the Martin County School District moved to send a letter to the governor’s office asking for more guidance before buying more text books.

In Indian River County, new science textbooks were purchased, but math and English books are on hold.

In St. Lucie County, a district spokeswoman wrote that while it welcomes a review of current standards, it “advocates for input into this process from highly qualified teachers”, and the district “will be cautious regarding the adoption of instructional materials.”