One of the qualities sought in a candidate by the electorate is experience in the major issues facing educators so that decision making results in effective practices for kids. As a school board member with extensive training and background as an educator, I would bring this and more to the district:
- Over twenty years' experience in education, 14 years in elementary education.
- Pride in our district. My children have had excellent teachers and an overall excellent educational experience. My daughter currently attends Rosedale Middle School.
- Experience in Win-Win, interest-based collective bargaining. As a member of the administrative collective bargaining team at Delano Elementary, I'm seen as a fair, level-headed administrator by the teachers' union. The Delano Union Elem. Teacher's Association has requested the Rosedale Teacher's Association to endorse my candidacy for school board.
- A belief that curricula and instructional methods ought to be adopted based on prior research showing that such methods are effective. In my district I have implemented, and chair, the Research & Evaluation Committee which investigates the effectiveness of materials and methods proposed for adoption. This committee includes teachers and administrators, and has the task of investigating any proposal that would affect what teachers do & what kids learn.
- A working knowledge of effective curriculum & teaching methods. I have curricular responsibilities for the programs I supervise, and have seen a marked increase in test scores. I've researched various teaching methods, and I know what works and what doesn't.
- A thorough understanding of the role of standardized test scores and other assessment issues. I have been a school psychologist, have taught graduate-level courses in tests & measurement at two different universities. I know what we should pay attention to and what we shouldn't, and I know the appropriate and inappropriate uses of assessment data.
- A thorough knowledge of behavior management and disciplinary issues. I currently teach Classroom Behavior Management at Cal State, and have implemented scores of successful individual and classroom behavior management plans at the K-8 level.
- An understanding of school budgeting and fiscal issues. I currently manage the budget for the programs I supervise, and am (and have been) fiscally solvent.
- A low tolerance for "fluff" in education. One of the most strongly supported principles in education is the relationship of "academic engaged time" to achievement. Without increasing the length of the instructional day, this time could be increased by eliminating some non-academic activities. This is especially important for low-achievers who need more academic contact time and less enrichment or "fluff" time.
- A thorough understanding of the importance of the parent & home factors in education. My doctoral dissertation, titled "Parent Influence on Academic Achievement", involved empirical research on methods that can parents can use to improve their childrens' in-school performance. I have conducted parent workshops, I have set up behavior management programs with parents for their childrens' school behavior, and have presented professional papers on this and other topics at state and national conventions.
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