January 13, 2006
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Appoints William Padia
Deputy Superintendent for Assessment and Accountability
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that he has appointed William L. Padia as Deputy Superintendent for the Assessment and Accountability Branch of the California Department of Education (CDE).
"After a lengthy nationwide search for a deputy in charge of assessment and accountability, I found the best candidate right here in the department," O'Connell said. "Bill Padia's reputation and record of accomplishment are well established and he is respected by teachers, administrators, and policy makers throughout the state. He is well steeped in the issues facing the Assessment and Accountability Branch. I look forward to benefiting from Bill's wisdom and experience in his new position."
Padia, 61, of Sacramento, has served as the director of CDE's Policy and Evaluation Division since 1988. During that time, he led CDE's efforts to develop and implement the Academic Performance Index, California's accountability system, and the No Child Left Behind federal accountability system. He also implemented the requirements of the School Accountability Report Card, conducted policy studies and legislatively mandated evaluations, and administered state and national school recognition programs.
From 1979-1988 Padia served as CDE's administrator in charge the Special Studies and Evaluation Reports Unit. He previously served as a consultant in CDE's Office of Program Evaluation and Research.
Padia was a Fellow in the Laboratory of Educational Research at the University of Colorado from 1972-1975. From 1969-1972, he was an officer in the United States Navy.
Padia earned a bachelors degree, master's degree and doctorate in educational research from the University of Colorado. In 2005, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the California Educational Research Association.
The compensation for this position is $127,848.
Padia replaces Geno Flores, who left the Department of Education last fall to become Deputy Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District.
