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Americans Trust Local School Districts, Not Washington

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Americans Trust Local School Districts, Not Washington
Majority Oppose Common Core 

(Washington, D.C.) – Mistrust of the federal government is one reason that Americans strongly favor local control over education and oppose Common Core, according to Gallup.  Nearly 60 percent say that local school boards should have the greatest influence over deciding what is taught in public schools, against just 15 percent who believe the federal government should have that authority. When it comes to the controversial "Common Core" curriculum, 59 percent of Americans say teachers in their community should not use those standards to guide what is taught – while only 33 percent favor them. The results show the strong support for policies that leave decision-making about education in the hands of local officials – rather than politicians in Washington, D.C. 

Educational concerns are particularly important to Latinos, who rate education as important issue – and who tend to be supportive of reform proposals.

Jorge Lima, Policy Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement: 

"The American people understand that when Washington tries to do too much, it winds up making things worse. While some local communities are dealing with challenges when it comes to guaranteeing a quality education, they reject the 'assistance' being offered by Washington. Instead, the vast majority trust in themselves, local officials and community leaders to figure out how best to teach their kids. 

When Washington forces national standards onto communities, it makes it impossible for local officials to lead. That approach is simply rejected by most Americans. On education – and a range of other issues – we need to look to ways to empower local officials to tackle problems."

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173

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