Walker proposes removing funding for Common Core tests

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Scott Walker is proposing removing state funding for tests tied to Common Core academic standards.

Walker proposed Tuesday that the state no longer pay for the Smarter Balanced test that public school students are slated to take to measure performance.

Republican lawmakers have also called for the state to come up with another testing option. Walker's budget would require there to be a new test.

Public schools are not required to adopt the Common Core standards, but most have because they were tied to the test. Walker's budget includes language that would make clear schools don't need to use the standards.

But Walker is not calling for the creation of new standards. Instead, he says those decisions should be left up to local school officials and parents.