PULASKI, Tenn. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bill Haslam insists that his decision this week to hold a public review of Common Core doesn't signal a retreat from the education standards in view of heavy criticism from teachers and tea party groups.

Haslam in a luncheon speech to the Rotary Club in Pulaski on Thursday said he wants to clear up misconceptions about Common Core but stressed that "we're not moving on standards."

The governor a day earlier announced the formation of panels to review the math and English components of Common Core and make recommendations at the end of 2015 — months after the state Legislature adjourns for the year.

Haslam, who faces little serious opposition in next month's election, said he doesn't expect the review to increase political pressure to make wholesale changes.