Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and his Assembly Minority colleagues today unveiled the Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan, which is aimed at reforming the implementation of Common Core in New York State. The plan was developed using testimony and comments provided by educators, school administrators, parents and students at 11 public hearings held across the state, one of which was hosted by Blankenbush in Lowville.

“I am proud to unveil the APPLE Plan as a comprehensive solution to the problems presented by Common Core,” said Blankenbush. “This plan offers measures to help with funding and helping educators prepare for the new standards in a way that won’t negatively impact our students. The APPLE Plan prioritizes individual developmental and educational needs and offers ways for all students to achieve high school diplomas. It’s important that the state partner with – rather than dictate to – parents, teachers and school administrators to ensure our students are getting an education that will help them succeed, not only in school, but in life.”

Blankenbush and the other legislators developed eight recommendations which became the APPLE Plan. In addition to addressing the problems of Common Core, many of the policy initiatives target other areas of concern in New York’s educational system.

Blankenbush is eager to address funding issues for New York schools, which is felt acutely in upstate, rural communities. The plan provides funding equity, ensuring that the state restores the school district funding cut in the 2011-12 budget to close the deficit. The state has yet to repay the schools, which are strapped for cash after shouldering the cost of materials to implement the Common Core Standards.

Also of note is the inclusion of Blankenbush’s legislation to create a vocational and technical high school diploma to encourage participation and increase graduation rates among high school students. The APPLE plan includes:

• Evaluating state assessments and curriculum;
• Providing funding equity;
• Preparing teachers with Career Development and Training for Common Core;
• Allowing teacher involvement in approving age- and developmentally-appropriate material;
• Restricting the use of student data;
• Placing priority on a student’s individual needs, especially in the case of special-needs students, requiring that their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) supersedes any Common Core Standards;
• Creating a vocational and technical high school diploma; and
• Revamping the State Education Department with checks and balances from the legislature and the governor.

A copy of the recommendations is available online at tinyurl.com/nyappleplan. Blankenbush will present the full report in the coming weeks to area school superintendents and educators. In the meantime, it is available for preview at bit.ly/educationalcrossroads.