I don’t think any trend in education has stirred up as much controversy as Common Core has the past few years. It’s easy to see why: parents try to help their kids and can’t figure out how to do simple math the “new way.” Students are having to reach around their head to touch their ear in math problems, so to speak.

Corporations love Common Core, because it teaches our kids to be worker bees instead of critical thinkers. Parents and teachers? Not so much.

One state is taking care of the problem of Common Core. Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has issued an executive order doing away with Common Core in the state:

I have heard parents from across the state loud and clear and they all agree that it’s time to finally end Common Core.



Our executive order today aims to ensure that Florida has the best academic standards in the nation and we eliminate Common Core. https://t.co/IcKSzX22ez — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 31, 2019

All you have to do is look at the overwhelming response to DeSantis’ announcement to see what a relief this executive order is. It’s more than just a magic wand to get rid of Common Core; it’s an ambitious call to develop a plan to improve education in Florida by 2020, including an increased commitment to civics education.

Needless to say, those who have been opposed to Common Core are happy with the decision.

I was there today! What an amazing victory for Florida's children! Hurrah for Governor Desantis! https://t.co/CYndZa8OAd — Chris Quackenbush (@ChrisQuackenbus) January 31, 2019

Even Florida’s teachers’ union thinks DeSantis is on the right track.

The Florida Education Association, the statewide teachers union, said it was encouraged that DeSantis wanted to involve parents and teachers in the effort to adopt new standards. “We’re also pleased to hear that the administration will look at streamlining testing,” Frederick Ingram, the association’s president, said in a statement. “Parents and our members cite time spent on testing — as versus on genuine teaching and learning — as one of their top concerns. If all stakeholders are heard, we have confidence that this effort can improve public education in Florida.”

But is such a bold move possible so quickly? Getting rid of Common Core will entail completely new standardized tests, and adding more civics education to the state’s school curriculum will involve plenty of work as well.

It’s a step in the right direction for sure. Getting rid of Common Core will make life so much easier for teachers, parents, and students alike, and Lord knows we can’t give kids enough civics education these days. Here’s hoping more states will follow suit soon.