Our District, Our Future

By Jeff Cole

What we will accomplish in the next four years.

There are several major issues facing education today.

1. The local control of our schools to create the opportunity for ALL students to access specialized programs, such as foreign language instruction (Dual Immersion), honors programs, and arts and music.

2. The Common Core is requiring significant changes in instructional approach and student assessment. The reason for change is a realization by both major political parties that schools must prepare students to be successful in the global economy of the twenty-first century. Although there is disagreement about these policies, I pledge an application of the law in a way that will benefit our students. We have the power to adapt the law as we need. As a professional educator, I know what works in the classroom and I can take us forward in this area.

3. The inclusion of special needs students in the general education classroom is a civil right and the federal government has stepped up enforcement in this area. ACSD is a champion of the disabled and has made it a district priority to ensure all students have a free and appropriate education.

4. The lack of technology-centered education in schools is yet another key issue. I will continue the ACSD example of using high technology in the classroom and articulating these programs with the high school, to ensure our students can compete for the high tech jobs of the twenty-first century.

5. School construction projects will continue, on time and within budget.

In my second term, I pledge to make these issues a priority.

I invite you to look at the facts and make an informed decision on election day. I have included a blog and several links on my website (jeffcole.info) to assist voters in gathering information. I have also included several videos on my website that reflect the spirit of this campaign. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of our goal of making ACSD the finest school district in the state of California.