The 2012 Legislative session is winding down on Utah's Capitol Hill and education has taken a top spot at this year's session.
SCR 13, sponsored by Aaron Osmond, R-Salt Lake County, encourages the Utah State Board of Education to reconsider a decision to adopt the Common Core Standards, an initiative created by states across the country to align education requirements and determines what a student should master in each grade.
Although the standards are not a federally-mandated program, some Utah lawmakers are concerned that the federal government could take control of the standards.
"We have had an ongoing battle with the US Department of Education and its attempt to assert control over states in their role of providing public education," said Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper.
Other lawmakers say the fears are unfounded.
"There's a mixed message here, either they don't like the federal government--which is clear to me--but now that we have the states working together, they don't like that either," said Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City.
The bill has passed the Senate and will now go to the House for a vote.
