Program Equity

By Nina Moore

Our schools must graduate students prepared with the critical thinking skills, lifelong learning skills, and technological knowledge necessary to succeed in the 21st century. I am fully committed to ensuring that every student in Fremont has access to a wide range of high quality academic programs and activities. This includes the gifted student, the average student and the at-risk student.

I joined the Community Facilities Committee (CFC) in 1998 because I was disturbed over stories I had heard of inequities in course offerings and educational opportunities across District schools.  As a participant on the Equity Subcommittee of the CFC,  I learned that, in fact, there were inequities in AP and honors course availability, Math and Science course offerings at the junior highs and high schools, GATE programs, range of offerings, and prep-course offerings (science, computer, music and physical education) at the elementary level. 

In response to our recommendation, the BOE created the Commission on Instructional Equity in mid-1999.   Elected by the Board of Education to serve on this Commission, I have served as Vice-Chair of the Commission for the past year.   In our first year, we have focused on assessing inequities in GATE programs and Prep-period programs at the elementary level and in developing recommendations to address those inequities.   We have also developed a list of issues to pursue over the coming year.  During this same time period, we have seen improvements such as a mandated set of AP and honors programs in the high schools.   We still have much work to do.

As a board member, I pledge to be responsive to the Commission's recommendations and to work towards raising necessary funding to support their recommendations.   We must ensure that all students receive appropriate challenge, variety and needed help.