Educational Opportunities

By Omar M. Ezzeldine

An IUSD education must accommodate a variety of perspectives and interests.

1. Expand the existence of and influence of specific community groups. There are currently three large parent community organizations in Irvine who have advocated for the cultural needs of their respective communities. However there are over 30 cultures represented in some of our schools and it is important that everyone feel they have a place at the table. I will establish new and embolden current outreach efforts to more of these cultural group so that they feel they have a pathway to getting their concerns, interests and needs addressed. This will also serve as a means to communicate more effectively the wide range and variety of options available to parents and students in IUSD.

2. I will take the concept of RTI (Response to Intervention), which is currently used to address the diverse needs of learners in an integrated classroom, and apply it to a students' overall educational trajectory. There are some students and families who want a program for their child that is primarily academically focused, while others are more interested in the athletic opportunities that may exist for their student. Still other are more interested in their student using his or her time in creative, artistic expression (visually or performing) over extended application of academics. Just like all levels of learners are respected and allowed the flexibility of moving from one group to another in order to have their needs met and without stigmatization, a student in IUSD should be allowed to choose a pathway. This pathway is catered to their specific interests, but has multiple opportunities to switch into different pathways if they so choose. Moreover, each pathway is equally valued by IUSD employees, parent, students, and community. Every student will have a blueprint for their educational pathway that will serve as a plan that is flexible, yet specific and that is appreciated by all those who choose the same path or a different path equally.