" There isn’t really any Common Core any more. Each state is able to set the standards for their state. They may elect to adopt very high standards for their students to aspire to and to work toward. And that will be up to each state. "
- Betsy DeVos

The statement highlights a shift in educational standards across American states. It suggests that there is no longer a single national curriculum framework known as Common Core, which was once intended to establish uniform academic benchmarks for students nationwide. Instead, each state now has autonomy to develop and implement its own set of educational standards tailored to the specific needs and goals of its residents.

This quote delves deeper into the complex landscape of American education policy, reflecting a broader movement towards decentralization in how academic expectations are established. It implies that without a uniform national standard like Common Core, states can create more customized learning objectives for their students. This could potentially lead to a greater diversity in educational approaches and outcomes across different regions. However, it also raises questions about consistency and equity in education standards, as each state may define success differently based on its unique socioeconomic context.

The quote is attributed to Betsy DeVos, who served as the United States Secretary of Education under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. Known for her advocacy of school choice and privatization of education, DeVos has been a vocal proponent of educational policies that empower individual states rather than adhering to federal mandates. Her views reflect a broader conservative ideology within the Republican Party that emphasizes local control over education and reduces centralized oversight from Washington D.C.