Educators Management Insurance: Discontent with Common Core Increases 

Five years after the concept was introduced, controversy continues to surround the federally proposed Common Core State Standards. The standards developed as a response to the previous legislative efforts to improve the education of American youth. The initiative was primarily supported by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in an effort to establish consistency throughout schools across the nation. The Common Core standards were designed to ensure that students are adequately prepared to continue their educational progress and on track to keep up with higher education class work or career related educational programs. To date, forty-three states have voluntarily adopted the Common Core standards and are actively working to implement testing strategies for the new educational milestones. However, the program has gotten mixed reviews from legislators, educators and students alike. Many school boards and educational authorities are facing challenges integrating the new standards and their recommended skill assessment testing into their curriculum.

The New York teachers’ union withdrew its support for the standards earlier this year calling for “major course corrections” to current curriculum and standardized testing. While most educators agree that the Common Core standards are helping to guide the nation’s youth in the right academic direction, officials in New York are assessing the shortcomings of the state’s current implementation of the standards. New York legislators have called for a two-year moratorium on the use of Common Core test scores to determine if a student would be promoted or held back in the academic progress. The New York state teachers’ union has asked for a three-year pause to allow more time for students and educators to adjust to the rigorous new curriculum. The state Board of Regents, which oversees education policy, already voted in favor of a five year postponement of the date by which all high school graduates must pass exit exams which incorporate the Common Core standards.

Adapting to changing curriculum, standards and legislation can be challenging for educators. During these times of transition, trial and error is part of the process, but it can also leave educators and the institutions they work for exposed to a number of liability risks. A broad spectrum of educator’s insurance coverage is essential to help defend educational entities, educators and volunteers. At Professional Government Underwriters, our Educators Management Insurance programs are tailored specifically to fit the needs of public, parochial and nonprofit private school entities including colleges, universities and vocational training schools. For more information about or offerings contact us today.