League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Jody S. London Answers Questions Candidate for School Director; Oakland Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. (Teacher recruitment and retention) What should be done to support the recruitment and retention of qualified and experienced teachers in Oakland public schools?

Oakland Unified needs a career ladder for teachers that includes: · more consistent and meaningful coaching, · more grassroots professional development, · more opportunities for teachers to share best practices, both at school sites and district-wide, as has started to happen through the Teacher Convention, and · a system of mentor and master teachers, with opportunities for teachers to rotate through those positions. I believe that professional learning communities are a good first step on the path to greater collaboration and sharing of data in support of student success.

2. (Training for skilled trades careers) Not all Oakland students will opt to go to college or a university after high school. How will you use your position as a School Board Member to support training for careers in the skilled trades?

Under my leadership, Oakland is one of nine counties in California participating in a Linked Learning initiative. We are building out the academies in our high schools so the course work is more relevant to real-world situations. We are partnering with businesses in each industry sector to develop curriculum and internship opportunities. In my second term, I will build on the work we have initiated to date.

3. (Disparities among ethnic groups) What specifically can and should be done about the disparity of academic achievement among various ethnic groups in Oakland, and what can and will you do as a school board member to address these disparities?

Oakland, like districts across the country, has a significant gap in achievement between white students and students of color. This gap is most pronounced for African American males. I am proud that Oakland is one of the first school districts in the country to establish a department focused on creating the systems, structures, and spaces that will guarantee success for African American males, and other girls and boys of color. The School Board is focused on literacy for all students, at all levels. As part of our work to implement the upcoming Common Core Standards, we are piloting work that requires all students to be able to write across the curriculum.

4. (Criteria for approvals and closures) Do you support the opening of new Charter Schools at a time when traditional public schools are being closed or threatened with closure? What criteria should be used in deciding what schools should be closed and which new ones be approved?

I consider the large number of charter schools in Oakland to be part of the legacy of State control. I have testified before the County Board of Education on why the Oakland Board denied certain charter schools, and I have testified before the Legislature on issues related to charter schools. The rate at which charters were granted under State control was double the rate prior to receivership. However, the fact remains that Oakland has a large number of charter schools. We need to confront that situation and determine how to proceed.

As part of our Strategic Plan, the Board has directed the Superintendent to prepare quality school review reports for all schools in the district. These reports are similar to the rubric we use to evaluate charter schools. Having this data will allow us to evaluate all schools on a more equal basis.

We must ensure that anyone doing business in Oakland Unified is committed to the goals of our Strategic Plan, and is working in partnership with the District for the success of our neighborhood schools. On August 22, 2012, in my role as President of the Board, I appointed a special committee of the Board to develop a theory of action on diverse providers, for consideration before the end of the year.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are presented as submitted. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 24, 2012 16:55
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