DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Supporters of Common Core are urging state leaders not to move away from the education standards.

A series of public hearings to discuss the standards began with Tuesday's session. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that most of about 25 speakers supported the standards, including several current and retired teachers (http://bit.ly/1r8vpRd ).

State Board of Education members are holding the sessions in congressional districts during the next few months and will send the feedback to the University of Georgia. The information will then be reviewed by the board as they consider whether to make changes to the standards.

Common Core has drawn opposition from some conservatives who view it as federal intrusion on local education decisions. Supporters say the standards increase the academic rigor of schools across the country.