Issues Winifred Cares About

By Winifred Dajani

It has been proven that the first years of education can have the greatest influence on a person's success later on stretching far into adulthood. If students do not have a solid foundation in literacy and other skills early on in elementary school, what starts as a small achievement gap can stretch to a year or two in high school and put students on a remedial track when they reach college. It lowers their self confidence and belief in their ability to succeed. I would like to make it a priority for children to be proficient in literacy and math skills by the time they enter fourth grade.

Keeping Families and Communities Engaged in Our Public Schools

Schools that are successful are those that foster communities where parents, students, and teachers are engaged. When parents and families are invested in schools and participate, they bring invaluable skills and resources. We cannot engage families if they do not feel welcome, that there is a role for them to play, or that their children are cared about. I believe SFUSD should implement the best practices recommended by parents and youth advocate groups for how to create and sustain vital communities.

Helping Dual Language Learners Acquire the English Proficiency Necessary for Academic and Professional Competitiveness

Thirty percent of the students in the SFUSD are dual language learners. Many struggle to perform well in the classes they need to succeed and move on through high school to college or a career. Students need to acquire the right academic English in order to integrate and succeed in mainstream content. The right language pedagogy makes all the difference in how well students are able to use English to pursue and achieve their goals. I want SFUSD to take more initiative to research the most recent varied techniques available for teaching English and adopt the most successful data proven practices for curriculum and teaching.

Counteract Budget Cuts with More Private Partnering

With budget cuts on the rise, SFUSD needs a backup plan for a revenue cushion in addition to State and Federal funds. SFUSD should actively seek out and cultivate private supporters and additional revenue streams through a program of development and outreach.