Marco Rubio Speaks Out Against Common Core

Sen. Marco Rubio is speaking out against Common Core, joining other top Florida Republicans who don't support the education initiative.

"Common Core started out as a well-intentioned effort to develop more rigorous curriculum standards," Rubio told theTampa Bay Times. "However, it is increasingly being used by the Obama administration to turn the Department of Education into what is effectively a national school board. This effort to coerce states into adhering to national curriculum standards is not the best way to help our children attain the best education. Empowering parents, local communities and the individual states is the best approach.

Opponents of the program have spoken out about the possibility of widespread data mining as a result of Common Core and have been particularly vocal against what they call a federally-regulated education program.

"I have long supported and continue to support strong standards and accountability for public schools," said Rubio. Rubio says the standards should be made at the state level, not the national level.

Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford have spoken out on thePartnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test, which would be implemented with Common Core. They oppose PARCC and instead favor a Florida plan for assessing academic progress for students in the Sunshine State.

"The Legislature is committed to students, parents, and taxpayers of Florida. By ensuring decisions are uniquely tailored to our state, we reinforce our dedication to providing Floridians with an education that directly leads to success in the opportunities and challenges of our economy," wrote Gaetz and Weatherford in a letter to Commissioner of Education Tony Bennett. "Florida must do what it has always done in the field of assessments, which is to lead."