April 25, 2007
Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:
As the nation braces for another day of massive protests on the first anniversary of the May 1 march against federal immigration policies, I am compelled to reach out to educators and parents across California.
We must encourage students to stay in school on this day and every school day where they can best learn about the struggles of immigrants in America. While participating in a protest may appear appealing, the reality is that the most effective way to affect history is to learn about it in the classroom and not on the street. I want students to exercise their hard-fought rights to free speech and expression, but not in ways that will harm their education.
Educators can seize this historic event as a teachable moment by engaging students in a comprehensive study and discussion of immigration with respect to our state and country. This allows teachers and students a tremendous opportunity to discuss, question, and learn about character education. That means learning about America’s heritage and laws, which reflect a common core of personal and social values that hold the citizens of this democracy responsible for acting ethically, being actively involved in school and community, resolving differences peacefully, and respecting the rights, dignity, and property of others.
I am encouraged that many education leaders have found creative ways in the past to keep students in school by engaging them in discussions or even inviting compelling speakers to discuss immigration issues and the protests.
However, what I find most troubling is that possible student absences because of protest participation may lead to missed opportunities for students to learn and that this lost time may not be recaptured. Additionally, there may be fiscal consequences for schools if students stay away on May 1, because I am disinclined to grant waivers to school districts to compensate for funds lost due to student absences.
I know some school leaders in the past struggled with the prospect of closing school down for the day in case the protests lead to severe disruptions in their communities. But there also may be fiscal consequences for failing to offer the required annual instructional days and minutes. I know many of you are in discussions with local law enforcement on how to keep students safe if there are protests. I trust you to do what is best for your community.
Immigrants face great challenges so their children might have a better life in America. All parents want their children to reach their full potential. Education is the key to their success, especially in today’s demanding global economy. To survive in this world, all students must learn excellent communication skills and the advanced thinking and problem-solving skills that we once expected of only the highest-achieving students.
We need the entire community’s support to ensure all students stay in school and receive a rigorous education. That is why students cannot afford to miss class, even for one day. Thank you for all you do, and your commitment to improve the lives of California’s children.
If you have any questions regarding attendance accounting, please contact Kim Clement, Education Fiscal Services Consultant, School Fiscal Services Division, at 916-327-0857 or by e-mail at kclement@cde.ca.gov. If you have any questions regarding character education please contact the Safe and Healthy Kids Program Office at 916-319-0920. If you have any questions regarding attendance improvement strategies, please contact the Counseling, Student Support, and Service-Learning Office, at 916-323-2183 or by e-mail at cwa@cde.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
JACK O’CONNELL
JO:tj
1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814