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Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D/WF- 125th District) has been appointed to the Assembly Education Committee by the Assembly Speaker Silver.

“I’m very pleased to receive this important assignment, particularly at this time when there is so much concern from parents and educators about the recent changes in state education policy.  I pledge to be a voice for my many constituents who are greatly concerned, as am I, about the implementation of the Common Core standards that were enacted in New York State as a consequence of the Race to the Top law passed in 2010,”  Lifton promised.

Lifton said she would bring her experience as a high school English teacher – and as a parent and grandparent – to work to bring about needed changes to our current law and regulations, and make sure that such changes are consistent with sound educational pedagogy and in the best interests of the students in her Assembly district and throughout the state.  

In her first day on the committee, Lifton expressed her concern about the roll-out of Common Core to Commissioner King at the Budget Hearing on Education.  She also asked him about the exam that new teachers will be required to take before they can receive certification, and whether there has been adequate curriculum work and preparation for the faculty who are teaching those future PreK-12 teachers.

“The issues before us about education are complex and very important, and I am looking forward to delving into these matters more thoroughly and working to try to make sure the state is creating the best possible climate for student success,” Lifton concluded. 

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