|
This information is provided by the candidate
There have been many positive changes in the GUSD over the last two years. Unfortunately, too many of them have been initiated by parents and not by our School Board members and District curriculum leaders. Ninth and tenth grade Honors classes, the adoption of a textbook anthology series, and a revised reading list are all exampless of these changes. But there is much more that must be done.
Our kids are only in the District for a few short years, and waiting several years to see changes that are necessary immediately is a source of great frustration.
- The Board must take the lead and develop a philosophy of academic excellence, based on the desires and expectations of the community.
As a parent, I became aware that there was a decision made to "unweight" AP grades, that the reading lists for the English courses were weak, and that there was no standards-based curriculum for the English Department at GHS. The Administration did not bring these issues to the Board. That task was left to a group of concerned parents.
Parent involvement is a key to student success in school. Very few high achieving students are born that way, parent guidance is the key factor. We must find ways to increase the parent involvement. Parent input must be welcomed by our teachers, our administrators, and our School Board.
- Parental involvement in their child's education is crucial for student achievement. I am running for the School Board as a concerned parent.
GUSD is blessed with many great and experienced teachers. We need to use their expertise and experience to develop a plan to improve the performance of all students. Teacher turnover has been a big problem for many years, especially at GHS. Although low wages are a part of the problem, teacher morale is a big factor. How can we expect morale to improve when we see teachers being denied continued employment because they are "not a good fit"? More objective evaluation procedures must be developed.
- Teachers are the key to helping our students improve their test scores.
The Administration's focus on equity and differentiated learning has not served our students well. We cannot continue to send our students who are not on grade level to our middle schools and the hiogh school. The "achievement gap" cannot be eliminated once students reach high school. We must intervene early in their eduction. Parent conferences, Saturday school, summer school, and retention are strategies that must be explored.
- The Administration must focus on providing a challenging curriculum for all students at all grade levels.
Teamwork is the key to improvement in student performance. I ask for your support on November 2nd to become your voice on the team.
|
League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
![[photo]](heisey_r.jpg)
