Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) responded to comments made by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan about the federal government’s “obligation” to step in and ensure at least 95% of students take the high-stakes Common Core tests.

“Education is, and always has been, a local matter and a responsibility of the state,” Friend said. “I’m not going to be intimidated by empty threats from the federal government, and I’m going to make sure parents, teachers and schools aren’t intimidated either. You have the right to protect your children from these tests. We must return control of our classrooms to our neighborhoods, and not some unaccountable federal bureaucrat more concerned with pulling in a federal pension than our children and their futures. Sec. Duncan is right to be worried, the people have finally had enough of this high-stakes model; and as long as the federal government continues to impose this on the American people, they will continue to lose.”

Friend is a sponsor of the Common Core Parental Refusal Act (A.6025), which ensures parents are made aware of their right to refuse the tests for their children, and protects the child, teacher and school from any state-levied penalty.