Jeb Bush Tries to Quell Backlash Against Common Core

The Daily Caller

Emails released Thursday by BuzzFeed reveal that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sought and received advice about Common Core from an unlikely source: former Florida Gov. and possible Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush.

The emails date to Sept. 23, 2013, when Common Core was first becoming a national issue.

The emails on Duncan’s end were very brief. The first contained the subject heading “Rick Scott,” with a body text of “Is calling me. Any advice?” Duncan was apparently reaching out to Bush for help addressing the concerns of Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Scott, like many other Republicans in 2013, was starting to have second thoughts about Common Core as the conservative backlash against it picked up momentum.

Bush replied:

I am on a plane.
He is fearful of the rebellion. Wants to stop using the term common core but keep the standards. Wants to get out of PARCC [standardized tests aligned with Common Core]. I asked him if he had specifics [sic] things that the federal government is doing or perceived to be doing. He didn’t have them when I spoke to him last thursday evening.
Duncan gave a succinct reply: “Thanks.”

A representative for Bush told BuzzFeed the emails reflect the bipartisan nature of Bush’s work on education since leaving the governor’s mansion.

Source: Obama Admin Went To Jeb For Common Core Tips Via @dailycaller