New Slate Of NY Education Forums Scheduled

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — New York Education Commissioner John King Jr. has announced a series of 12 forums on the new Common Core learning standards and other reforms.

King announced the forums Friday. He's faced criticism since an earlier decision to cancel a slate of PTA-arranged appearances after one in Poughkeepsie last week evolved into a shouting match.

King says future forums will include Board of Regents members and will be moderated by state legislators in school districts around the state.

The first will be in Albany Oct. 24.

King's been criticized all week by parents, teachers and lawmakers for canceling the first forums. They were meant to address the state's implementation of the more difficult learning standards and the state's controversial decision to immediately use them as the basis for standardized tests.