October 7, 2005
O'Connell Praises Governor for Vetoing Bills Aimed at Weakening
CAHSEE, Announces Several Education Bills Signed Into Law
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today commented on two bills vetoed by the Governor that would have undermined the integrity of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), and also addressed four other education-related bills signed into law that include measures to improve student health and nutrition.
The Governor vetoed: AB 1531 by Assemblymember Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) that would have permitted a pupil to satisfy the English-language arts or mathematics portion of the CAHSEE by passing an alternative performance assessment offered by his or her school district if the State Superintendent of Public Instruction certifies that the alternative performance assessment meets certain minimum requirements.
The Governor also vetoed SB 586 by Senator Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) that would have conditionally exempted pupils with disabilities in the class of 2006 and 2007 from the CAHSEE graduation requirement.
"I want to commend Governor Schwarzenegger for upholding the integrity of the California High School Exit Exam by vetoing both SB 586 and AB 1531. These vetoes highlight the Governor's commitment to high standards for all California's children," O'Connell said.
"The Exit Exam is a key element in our school accountability system. It has focused our schools on teaching California's world-class academic standards, and students across the state are reaching to meet higher expectations as a result of the exam. It is critically important that we keep the CAHSEE in place as a tool for challenging the system and raising expectations and results for our children. As I have consistently said, awarding a student a diploma without the knowledge and skills to back it up does that student a great disservice. I want every student in California to get a high school diploma, but more importantly, I want every student in California to complete high school with the necessary skills to truly compete in today's information driven global economy," O'Connell said.
Four other education bills were signed into law, and a fifth was vetoed. The four measures signed into legislation are:
AB 689 by Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) requires the State Board of Education, based on recommendations from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to adopt model content standards for health education by March 1, 2008.
"High-quality health education helps our students develop the knowledge and skills needed to avoid health risks and to enhance their health and academic achievement," O'Connell said."The health education standards created as a result of this bill will provide school districts with fundamental tools for developing health education curriculum and improving student achievement in this area."
AB 1392 by Assemblymember Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) ensures that economically disadvantaged children have access to nutritious meals during summer school programs.
“I'm pleased that the Governor signed this bill to ensure that children won't go hungry during the school day simply because they are attending summer school,“ O'Connell said. "We know that hunger interferes with learning, and this bill removes barriers to providing nutritious meals and snacks to summer school students."
AB 1662 by Assemblymember Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View) conforms state law to the new federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Reauthorization 2004 provisions, as required by the U.S. Department of Education. This measure ensures that California will not lose $1.3 billion in federal special education funds, California's projected share of funds in the 2005-2006 fiscal year.
"This new law will make California the first state to be in compliance with the new federal IDEA act," said O'Connell."I'm pleased that all California students with disabilities will now be assured the extra resources necessary to help them obtain an appropriate education."
SB 512 by the Senate Committee on Education is the second of two annual education omnibus bills and corrects errors, resolves conflicts in code sections, deletes obsolete references, and makes other noncontroversial changes to the Education Code.
The Governor vetoed: AB 564 by Assemblymember Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach) will help high schools select standards-aligned instructional materials. The measure authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to work with county offices of education and local education agencies to develop reports on the extent to which these high school basic instructional materials are aligned to the content standards adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE).
"I am disappointed to see the demise of such an innovative program that would have, as part of my ongoing high school reform effort, brought important assistance to high schools throughout the state as they struggle to improve student achievement," said O'Connell. "“I believe giving school boards guidance on whether materials they want to purchase are aligned with our rigorous academic standards just makes sense, and I will continue to try and make it a reality."
