The state education commissioner faced more than 700 angry parents, teachers and students during a public forum at Eastport-South Manor High School Tuesday night regarding the controversial Common Core curriculum.
Commissioner John King has faced harsh criticism for the rollout of the new federal education guidelines in recent Long Island forums. Tuesday night was no different. King was repeatedly shouted down by audience members who felt he wasn't addressing their concerns.
"Districts were not given the monies that they need to give teachers materials or the proper professional development," said educator Beth DiMino. "We are making students take exams that they cannot possibly pass."
Elementary school principal Kim Hardwick told the crowd that there are positive aspects to Common Core that are not being discussed. She said that she had been preparing for the rollout three years in advance while other educators throughout Long Island had not.
King told News 12 he thought the forum was productive aside from the heckling. He says another forum is scheduled for December at a location that has not yet been determined.