State Board of Education Seeking Public Input on State Math and English Standards

Image courtesy of NHPR

The State Board of Education is seeking public comment on the state’s Math and English Language Arts standards at their upcoming meeting on June 8. At the request of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, the Board is considering whether to review and revise the standards. 

At their meeting on May 11, over 20 parents, teachers, and school administrators came out in support of the current standards, along with the New Hampshire School Administrators Association and the NEA-NH, representing 17,000 New Hampshire teachers. Read Reaching Higher NH’s coverage of the meeting and view the livestream here.

New Board Chair, Drew Cline, requested more public comment on the standards at the June meeting. Here are the details:

State Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, June 8 at 9 a.m.
101 Pleasant Street, Londergan Hall (follow signs to Dept. of Education building)

For those interested in offering comments, some tips are below.

Tips for Offering Comments

  • Get there early. All members of the public will have a chance to speak. You can leave after you testify if you would like (though you’re welcome to stay!). It also helps to get there early so you can find a parking spot.
  • Fill out a pink card. This is how the Board will know you’d like to speak.
  • You have 5 minutes to speak. Keep your comments concise. You’re strongly encouraged to stay well under 5 minutes. Prepare written comments to stay on track if it helps.
  • You won’t be asked any questions. The State Board will NOT ask you questions, unless they need basic clarification of something. They will not debate you.
  • You don’t HAVE to speak. You can submit written testimony in person or via email.
  • The Commissioner is NOT on the State Board. He is technically a staff person. It is not appropriate to talk directly to him. Address the Board directly, and if you have concerns with, or would like to show your support for, the Commissioner, remember that you’re asking the Board to take action, not the Commissioner.
  • If you’re submitting written testimony, make it your own. Generic or form letters are fine, but they’ll be more impactful if you include your own personal experiences. Board members care about you and your thoughts–keep it genuine and honest.
  • Don’t get caught up in politics. Don’t question the motives of State Board members, the Commissioner, or DOE staff. Disagreement with positions and policies is welcomed, and you SHOULD speak up. But questioning their motives, politics, or character undermines your argument.
  • Keep it civil. No swearing. Address Board members properly (Mr. Chairman, State Board members, etc). Your comments will become part of the public record.
  • And most of all, don’t be intimidated! State Board members are parents, teachers, grandparents, and community members just like the rest of us. If you have something to say, don’t hesitate to speak up. They value your opinion and experiences.

Contact us at staff@reachinghighernh.org if you have any additional questions.