Orange County Register Candidate Questionnaire

By Sharon H. Brown

This is a summary of my positions on important issues provided to the Register.

Our board's commitment has been to preserve programs which have been proven effective components of our students' learning and safety. We have maintained modified class size reductions in 1st and 2nd grades. We have continued our bussing program which is important because of the configuration of our schools- K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Summer Academies, Gate, and Family Literacy Programs are also prioritized,and funded with temporary stimulus monies and restricted funds.

2. A recent movement has urged linking teacher evaluations and pay raises to students' academic performance. Do you agree with this idea? How should it be implemented in your district?

I completely disagree with this "movement." Standardized test scores are invalid in evaluating student learning, and would be invalid in evaluating teachers. Nationwide, we must develop protocols for meaningful student assessment. Ongoing informal assessments should occur in every classroom continually, in order to determine curriculum needs. These formative measures promote student learning, unlike the high stakes testing used now. Valid measures of performance could be integrated into teacher evaluations, but not connected to teacher pay.

3. Most local districts cut instruction days for 2010-11 to balance budgets and limit layoffs. Was this the best option for your district? Why or why not?

At this time, our district has not settled our contract with our teachers association. Of course we want to preserve as many teaching days as possible to promote optimal learning for our students. Furlough days and salary reductions are being discussed. No one wants any of these cuts but the politicians in Sacramento have not funded our schools according to the formulas determined by the voters when they passed Proposition 98, back in 1988.

4.What are the skills, qualities or accomplishments that make you the best person for this job?

I was a special education teacher and administrator for 35 years, retiring in 2007, and I've now served on the La Habra Board of Education for 6 years. The knowledge gained from experiences in these two positions will help me to play a key role in dealing with both fiscal and personnel challenges during these difficult times. By nature, I am a facilitator and problem solver, and I believe I can make a difference.

5. What two promises are you willing to make? On what are you unwilling to compromise? Be specific and concrete.

a. I will support restoration of all salary roll backs and elimination of furlough days, as soon as the state restores monies owed to us. b. I will visit local, state, and federal representatives, discuss our budget needs, and advocate for increased funding for public education. c. I will NOT support evaluating teachers based on invalid standardized test scores.

6. Test scores for poor students lag behind those of their wealthier classmates. What steps would you take to eliminate the achievement gap in your district?

We are already working hard to eliminate "the achievement gap." Statistically, the most significant factor affecting achievement nation-wide, is poverty. There are many reasons for this, including lack of access to books, and lack of parental education. Our Family Literacy program includes support for parents, and provides books to families. We have multiple programs, such as A.S.E.S (After School Education & Safety Grant) designed to provide additional academic support to low income students.

7. The school district administration and the teachers association have had their differences. Going forward, how would you move forwarded in dealing with the two groups?

We MUST establish a structured and ongoing open line of communication between the teachers and administration and also with the board. Teachers and other staff members should feel comfortable about expressing new ideas or concerns, to administrators. This is how positive change occurs in a district, from the bottom up, rather than just from the top down. Perhaps monthly or quarterly small group meetings with representatives from each group, including the board, would be beneficial.