2 LIers chosen for Common Core Task Force

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a new Common Core Task Force to come up with ways to improve the controversial curriculum, and two Long Islanders are part of the panel.

The governor said on Monday that the task force will pave the way for a complete reboot of Common Core.

"We must do more to reform the system because there is still too much disruption, anxiety and confusion," Cuomo said.

The two Long Island residents are state Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Oyster Bay) and Constance Evelyn, the superintendent of the Valley Stream School District.

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia is another member of the panel. She said in a statement, "Change is always difficult, and change takes time and adjustments, but this change is necessary."

In total, the panel is a mix of 15 education officials, state representatives, teachers and parents from across New York. They will also review how Common Core is taught and how tests are given. It will be headed by senior equity advisor Richard Parsons, who once led an education-reform panel.

The task force is expected to complete its review of Common Core and deliver its final recommendations in a report by the end of the year.

Earlier this year, about 200,000 students statewide opted out of the exams.