May 5, 2004
Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Announces First Step of
Approval for High Performing High School Bill Package
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that all four bills in his High Performing High School proposal have been approved by Legislative policy committees.
"Students who have access to challenging courses, standards-aligned instructional materials and school leaders who can provide guidance in a rigorous academic environment are more likely to graduate from high school well prepared for college or meaningful career opportunities," O'Connell said. "My High Performing High School initiative will help us improve California high schools from the inside out. I am pleased that the Senate and Assembly education committees have approved these measures that will provide greater challenges and opportunities to our high school students and keep our schools on track toward higher student achievement. This is an important first step toward making all California high schools high performing institutions."
AB 2225 by Assemblyman Mark Wyland (R-Vista) will provide high schools principals with intensive professional development and ongoing coaching and support to implement high-quality programs for high school students. The Assembly education committee unanimously approved the measure today.
Last week, the Senate Education Committee approved the other three bills in O'Connell's High Performing High School initiative:
SB 1795 by Senator Richard Alarcon (D-Van Nuys) ensures that all students have equitable access to rigorous college readiness curriculum that meet the "a to g" requirements.
SB 1405 by Senator Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach) will guide high schools toward high-quality instructional materials by creating a state "seal of approval" for instructional materials that are aligned to California's academic standards.
SB 1448 by Senator Dede Alpert (D-San Diego) reauthorizes the state Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program, reduces the burden of testing on school districts, and formally opens the dialogue with institutions of higher education on using the California Standards test for credit, placement or admission at CSU or UC.
Approval of these bills in the education policy committees is the first step toward legislative approval. The bills must next be heard in the Appropriations Committees in their respective houses.
