Provide additional aid and tools of disadvantaged students

By Susan Sweeley

Almost one-third of our students face personal challenges that puts them at a significant disadvantage.

The chart shows that nearly 70% of the socio-econ disadvantaged students are not meeting the standard defined by the State of California. While 95% and 85% of the English Learners and Disabled students are achieving below standard.

Each of the high schools in the MVLA District complete a "Single Plan for Student Achievement" that is reviewed and approved by the Board. We have one of the best Administrative teams in the state and they are doing an excellent job.

The challenge for the community is to help address the underlying issues that are external to the school campuses and to personally help the students deal with the extra burden that they must carry. That is what motivates me to be so active with community organizations, such the Community Health Awareness Council and JustREAD and have volunteered to help tutor at Alta Vista high school. We need more and stronger partnerships within the community to help build a stronger future for nearly 1/3 of our students.