League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Gina D. Dalma Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Palo Alto Unified School District

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

Questions & Answers

1. What steps need to be taken to foster better communication among the school board, superintendent's office, and the local school communities?

First, we need to establish a clear vision of success for all students with specific goals. Second, we need to establish metrics towards the goals and transparent and frequent communication about achievement toward those goals. Third,we need to design and implement a communications plan that includes frequent communications and the use of multiples channels (social media, convenings, etc). An effective school district prioritizes building trust between all stakeholders and that can only be achieved through clear, transparent and frequent communications.

2. What approaches would you support to help students of diverse educational abilities achieve their educational goals?

High-functioning schools and districts are those that provide the least restrictive environment for all students and are as inclusive as the needs of every student will allow. Full inclusion is a best practice but to work, we need to ensure that the proper support programs are in place. THREE things that I would do to ensure all students could thrive: o First, professional development and resources need to be available for teachers so instruction is best suited for each student. More than anything, teachers need to feel supported in serving all our students so they reach their full potential. o Second, we need to set goals and measure our achievement towards these goals. I would look at the data and then complement the analysis by asking parents and teachers if these goals are being met. o Third, we need to look at what others are doing to keep improving our practices.

3. Do you agree with the Common Core standards and if so, how should they be implemented?

The CCSS is the most important education reforms of the past 20 years. It is a huge opportunity for all our students to gain the knowledge and the skills necessary to thrive in college or career when they graduate from high school. It will require a massive effort which should include:

First, set the vision of success and message the priority of implementation. Every level of the district needs to own the vision of success (and the work that needs to happen to achieve it)

Second, Plan implementation for the next 3-5 years with metrics to fine-tune along the way

Third, invest in key levers for student Common Core implementation: Teacher professional development, Instructional Material, Assessments and Technology

4. Do you see instituting a pre-school program for children younger than the "early 5s" age as desirable for the PAUSD? If so, have you any ideas on how it might fit into the school structure?

I do. Universal Preschool has shown to have a significant impact on raising student achievement. Nevertheless, it is not one of my priorities for the first 4 years as most children in our district already have preschool experience (albeit private), and we have an incredible amount of competing priorities.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 25, 2014 09:16
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