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In 2015 California grappled with implementation of multiple reforms, including the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, replacing the end of the No Child Left Behind Act, and developing a new accountability system for the state. Here are 10 quotes from 2015 that speak to major challenges on the California education reform landscape.
“It’s important that we’re all honest with ourselves. At the federal, state and local level, we have all supported policies that have contributed to the problem in implementation [of the nation’s testing and accountability system]. We can and will work with states, districts and educators to help solve it.”
“The accountability approach didn’t work at all, particularly since 2005, during the period when No Child Left Behind was being fully implemented. This is Newton’s third law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. By pushing the notion of accountability so hard, we have created all sorts of problems.”
“It’s important to remember that the math has not changed. What has changed is that we now have this new process for students to think and explain how they’re learning. These new tests are part of this transition. It’s going to take some time.”
“I am a leader.” “I am not ghetto.” “I am not incapable of being interested in mathematics and the sciences.” “I am destined for great things.”
“Everyone is worried about kids having access to technology. They’re too little. They need to learn how to look slowly, really observe. Everything in technology is click, click, click. This method [of looking closely at great works of art] hones the craft of looking deeply and really listening to each other.”
“Are we feeling it? Definitely.”
“I don’t believe there is any reason the reforms championed by Gov. Brown will move the needle or narrow the gap. It will only work if there is accountability for how it is spent, and if there is capacity at the local level for spending it well.”
“Setting the table for parents to get involved is one thing. Genuinely inviting them to join the dinner party is another.”
“This law makes long overdue fixes to the education law, replacing the one-size-fits-all approach to reform. It creates a real partnership between the states, which will have new flexibility to tailor their improvement plans, and the federal government, which will have the oversight to make sure that the plans are sound.”
“The idea is, you take a school or a district that’s willing to bleed on the cutting edge, and then share those lessons so the next district doesn’t have to bleed as much.”
The system has enrolled more in-state residents, but not enough to meet targets set by the state.
Two prominent organizations say the proposal would dismantle progress made to improve reading instruction for those students.
Fresno City College professor Tom Boroujeni is unable to fulfill his duties as academic senate president while on leave, the latest update reads.
This is a continuing EdSource series on proven innovations in higher education that relate to the problems facing California’s higher education systems.
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Janelle Neumann 8 years ago8 years ago
How you teach and learn is important. That you have the opportunity to do the work that leaves you breathlessly inspired and earn a very good living is mission critical. As a parent I accept every learning experience as offered by schools, community groups, museums, etc but map my child's work by increasingly rigorous standards. Then I wait for her to ask about something and dive deeply into that subject. Later … Read More
How you teach and learn is important. That you have the opportunity to do the work that leaves you breathlessly inspired and earn a very good living is mission critical. As a parent I accept every learning experience as offered by schools, community groups, museums, etc but map my child’s work by increasingly rigorous standards. Then I wait for her to ask about something and dive deeply into that subject. Later I ask how she can excel at the task, and if it’s something she could improve. In short you need school standards, project based learning, resources and a focused/coordinated team.