Common Core Study Legislation In Doubt

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Gov. Phil Bryant says he doesn’t know if he will sign a bill that would create a group to study whether Mississippi should modify or abandon Common Core academic standards.

Bryant opposes Common Core and said Wednesday that he’s not sure a commission would make any difference.

Senate Bill 2161 would create a 15-member group to examine academic standards and make recommendations to the state Board of Education. However, the board would not be obligated to accept any of the suggestions.

Common Core is designed to teach students to think more analytically, but conservative opponents think it could lead to federal intrusion in state education decisions.

Bryant says he’s trying to reduce the number of new commissions and committees created in the state.