Sen. Tim Scott: Common Core Is a Threat to Education

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) says Common Core is a threat to American education.

“I think anytime that we centralize control of education, create carrots and sticks for more resources, to make sure states do what we want them to do, I think it's a threat at the end of the day,” Scott told TheBlaze Friday. “It started out as a state-by-state down-level opportunity which was great. Then the federal government began trying to create carrot and sticks again. This is just going to hurt education more than help.”

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) speaks during the Values Voter Summit, held by the Family Research Council Action, Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, in Washington. (AP)

Common Core is the controversial education standards adopted by 45 states for English and math for kindergarten through 12th grade. The system was developed and supported by the National Governors Association and teachers unions. It is also backed by the Obama administration and its “Race to the Top” education framework.

Scott spoke to TheBlaze after addressing the Values Voters Summit in Washington, D.C.

“We should not allow a national school board through legislation proposed here in Washington to dictate what education means to states,” Scott said.

During his speech, Scott mentioned “stopping Common Core,” prompting the audience to explode in rousing approval.

He also blasted the Obama administration for its lawsuit against Louisiana's school choice law.

“This administration is suing Louisiana because they believe in school choice. I believe in school choice,” Scott said. “When parents have control of education, when parents have a choice the kid has a chance.”

“It is very difficult to fund the right school,” he said. “Sometimes, you've got to fund the child and not the school.”

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