JEFFERSON CITY –Senator Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, is asking parents and educators in the 20th District to consider applying to be a member of the upcoming Common Core Workgroups, which will begin creating the new Missouri Learning Standards this October. The groups will collaborate to establish new educational benchmarks for students in the Show-Me State.

During the 2014 session, the Legislature approved House Bill 1490, which, among other provisions, establishes workgroups that will create the new Missouri Learning Standards.

“I strongly encourage parents and local educators to apply as members of these groups,” said Sen. Wasson. “This is an effort to create learning standards that best fit our state and its students, maintaining the local control we need to give our children a world class education. It’s incredibly important that citizens in our district have a hand in the establishment of these new benchmarks. Please consider applying. Southwest Missouri needs to have a strong voice in this process.”

The nominees will be appointed by the Senate President Pro Tem, who is seeking a diverse selection to reflect the makeup of the state. Thirty two members will be appointed. Of those, 16 will be parents and 16 will be education professionals. Appointees will fill a total of eight workgroups, with specific groups for English, Science, Math and Social Students for grades K-5; and workgroups for the same subjects for grades 6-12.

Appointees may serve in more than one workgroup. In order to be considered an education professional, the nominee must be a Missouri resident for at least three years, and have taught in the workgroup’s subject area for at least 10 years or have 10 years of experience in that subject area.

To apply for the Common Core Workgroups, click here or visit Sen. Wasson’s official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/wasson and click on the “Common Core Workgroups” button on the right side of the page. Potential nominees will go through a background check and may be contacted by an investigator. Workgroups are scheduled to begin meeting Oct. 1, 2014.

If you have any questions or difficulties applying online, please contact Sen. Wasson’s office at (573) 751-1503.