In an attempt to return responsibility for student achievement to states and school districts, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) today issued the following statement after successfully passing an amendment to the Student Success Act  expressing concern over implementing Common Core standards in schools:

“Over the past several years, the federal government has expanded its influence over local education and the Department of Education has coerced states into adopting common national standards, known as Common Core. Common Core gives federal bureaucrats inappropriate influence on our education system at the expense of states and localities. Nothing is more important than the education of our children and it should not be up to federal agencies to act unilaterally without input from those of us who represent families across our great nation. I also am proud this provision is part of the Student Success Act which would get Washington out of the way of meaningful education reforms and empower parents, teachers, administrators, and school boards to help our students succeed.”

MEDIA NOTE: Video of Luetkemeyer’s floor statement today in support of the amendment can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVRK3GDW2jQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUifiiQclKbBBrkSbCnN6REg