Sacramento mayor wants to Race to the Top
The U.S. Education Department’s $4.35 billion Race to the Top initiative has politicians and school officials focused on federal funding opportunities. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, stands among them. He has called a special legislative session and proposed education reforms that some critics have said are tailored to the initiative. Education Secretary Arne Duncan praised Mr. Schwarzenegger as courageous and said, “The eyes of the country are going to be on California.”
One pair of those eyes, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, had a few choice words for politicians and others who use the words “Children First” as an “empty promise.” Mr. Johnson, who executed plans for 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association and was an entrepreneur becoming mayor, took particular issue with the fact that “states that prohibit the use of student data in teacher evaluation will be barred from competing for the funds.” He says it’s time to change California policy and put up or shut up.
“In politics, it’s popular for candidates and incumbents to say that education is their top priority. A favorite catchphrase is ’Children First.’ The problem is that it’s remained just that. A catchphrase. A slogan. An empty promise. Time and time again, we as politicians have shown that we’re willing to put aside what is in the best interests of children for political expediency,” Mr. Johnson said in a Sept. 3 Sacramento Bee column.
“We have the opportunity to change that dynamic in California with the special session called by the governor. This is an excellent test to see if politicians are ready to truly put children first. How? It’s easy. …
“First, we have to repeal the policy. Next, we have to be willing to do things we’ve never done before. We have to align ourselves toward a common vision for educational excellence. Specifically, the Obama administration has outlined a few key priorities:
• “Adopt a set of core national standards.
• “Develop a capacity for states and districts to use student achievement data.
• “Ensure that there are highly qualified teachers and principals in every school.
• “Close failing schools.
“Additionally, he’s called for districts and states to be friendly to charter schools and ensure they have equal funding. This is a tall order for Sacramento and for cities across the state. Traditionally, California has not given charter schools fair and equitable funding. We have yet to enact a cohesive strategy to quickly improve our worst-performing schools. There’s a lot of resistance to the concept of adopting a national test and national standards. …
“The governor vowed that we would compete for every stimulus dollar available, and this special session could make that a reality. … If the legislators that you and I voted into office can see fit to look beyond special interests and political pressure to repeal this law and push real reforms, then we’re in the game.”
HAP in line to win presidential honor
The award-winning Higher Achievement Program, which initially began in 1966 at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, is one of 50 semifinalists for the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities’ Coming Up Taller Award. The prestigious award honors outstanding after-school and out-of-school community arts and humanities programs. Fifteen finalists will be announced later in the year, and first lady Michelle Obama will preside over the White House ceremony.
Hundreds of applicants were considered.
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