State Superintendent Sponsors Bills to Expand Options for Students Who Don't Pass
Exit Exam; Increase Efforts to Close the Achievement Gap; Expand Teacher Training

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced his legislative agenda for 2006. This introduction of his bill packages follows the State of Education address delivered last month, in which O'Connell outlined his goals for 2006, including expanding options for students who are not successful in passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE); increasing school accountability to close the achievement gap, and expanding programs to better train and support teachers and school leaders.

Expanding Options for Students Struggling with the CAHSEE

"To prepare students for success in the increasingly competitive global economy, we need to maintain our focus on high standards and high expectations for all students," O'Connell said. "The high school exit exam measures a minimum level of knowledge and skills that our students need to be successful in life after high school. If students are still struggling to pass this exam it means that their education is not yet complete. I want to expand options for these students to continue with their studies so they can master these essential skills, and I urge students to take advantage of these options so they can fulfill their potential."

O'Connell's legislative package includes the following bills to expand options for students who have not been successful in passing the California High School Exit Exam.

AB 2532, by Assemblymember Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach), will ensure funding for students who are preparing to take the CAHSEE through adult education programs.

AB 2163, by Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), contains a number or provisions aimed at helping to better prepare students and improve the high school senior year. The measure authorizes full funding of remedial summer school in elementary grades, and lifts the caps on high school independent study programs for students who have completed four years of high school without passing the CAHSEE so they can take intensive instruction courses designed to help them pass. It also includes programmatic recommendations to improve the senior year for students who are struggling to pass the exit exam.

Assemblymember Pedro Nava said, "I believe students should have as many opportunities as possible to receive valuable instruction as they prepare to pass the CAHSEE and move on to higher education and the work force."

AB 2040, by Assemblymember Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), authorizes additional summer and Saturday administrations of the CAHSEE.

"I commend Superintendent O'Connell for his effort to improve education policy, and I am pleased to work with him on providing students with additional opportunities to take the high school exit exam," said Assemblymember Chu.

SB 1383, by Senator Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento), provides eligibility for Cal Grants to students who are financially eligible to qualify, meet all other graduation requirements, and have at least a 2.0 grade point average, but have not passed the exit exam.

"I am authoring SB 1383 to ensure that the doors to higher education remain open for students with financial need," said Senator Ortiz."Students who do not pass the CAHSEE are still able to continue their education at community colleges or other post-secondary institutions. Financial obstacles should not prevent them from doing so."

Increasing Accountability and Closing the Achievement Gap

O'Connell is also sponsoring key legislation aimed at increasing school accountability and closing the achievement gap between white and affluent students and African American, Latino, and poor students.

"The achievement gap has a staggering impact on our national economy," O'Connell said. "In this demanding global economy, the achievement gap threatens the future of our students, and the future economic health and security of our state and nation. While the gap in California is narrowing, we must step up our efforts to address this pervasive problem in our schools."

AB 1483, by Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno), adds early literacy assessment for kindergarten and first grade students to the California English Language Development Test (CELDT).

AB 1758, by Assemblymember Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), establishes High Priority Program exit criteria, provides funding for the work of school assistance teams in High Priority schools, and allocates $4.125 million to districts with large percentages of Program Improvement schools.

AB 2254, by Assemblymember Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), defines eligibility and timelines for the future High Priority Program and grants.

AB 2529, by Assemblymember Simon Salinas (D-Salinas), increases the number of California Partnership Academies in high schools throughout California – a recommendation of O'Connell's California P-16 Council.

AB 2248, by Assemblymember Joe Coto (D-San Jose), extends Reading First grants for two additional years and refines program accountability.

AB 2448, by Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley), increases accountability and monitoring of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs.

Expanding Teacher Training

"The single most important factor in a student's success will always be their teachers," O'Connell said. "Our state has a massive need for talented new teachers and school administrators over the next decade, particularly in our most challenged schools. I want to address the problem of our diminishing teacher corps and to expand professional learning opportunities so we can strengthen instruction in our rigorous standards."

O'Connell is sponsoring the following bills to strengthen preparation programs and provide leadership development for teachers and school administrators:

SB 472, by Senator Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara), reauthorizes high-quality teacher professional development programs (AB 466 training).

SB 1190, by Senator Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara), adds science to the teacher professional development program. 

Senator Alquist said, "I am happy to be working with Superintendent O'Connell on giving teachers better training and increasing the accountability of our schools. I share his commitment in wanting to see that California's schools serve all of our students."

SB 1433, by Senator Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch), establishes a Teacher Leadership Program to train teachers to serve as subject matter coaches for teachers.

"As a former teacher, I learned a lot from the experiences of others and this bill will allow more teachers to do just that," said Senator Torlakson. "SB 1433 will provide experienced teachers with the skills necessary to support their peers and assist principals in creating collaborative, transformational change in our schools."

Other Bills in O'Connell's Legislative Package Include:

AB 2009, by Assemblymember Lois Wolk (D-Davis), clarifies high school graduation requirements for charter schools.   

SB 1646, by Senator Denise Ducheny (D-San Diego), reauthorizes the American Indian Education centers.

AB 2565, by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), appropriates non-Proposition 98 funds to cover a budget deficiency related to special education mediation costs.

AB 1967, by the Assembly Education Committee, is the Omnibus education bill for 2006.