CQE Sudent Op-Ed on Assembly Bill 8

Askari Gonzalez, from Californians For Justice, published this op-ed article with New America Media urging the governor to sign Assembly Bill 8 which works towards education budget transparency and funding California's diverse student needs.

He writes, "At school, I hear my classmates talk about their dreams all the time, but without the right resources, I’m afraid they’ll just be empty wishes." 

For the full article in English and Spanish, please click here

 

The Los Angeles Times endorses Assembly Bill 8

(September 9, 2009)

Los Angeles Times masthead

 "Assembly Bill 8, sponsored by Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), would convene a working group to study the formulas that are used to allocate education money. The panel would produce a report and recommendations for simpler, more rational funding mechanisms by December 2010. Another bill would be required to enact the recommendations."

"California's convoluted school funding system begs for impartial study and new clarity. Brownley's bill is the best starting point for an open debate about how best to provide money for schools."

For the full text, please go here

   

Update on the CQE and Assembly Bill 8

(Aug. 8, 2009)

 

 

•    Assembly Bill 8, sponsored by Assembly member Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), will promote transparency in the state education budget and address educational equity issues in low-income, immigrant, communities of color.   To track its progress, click here

 

•    AB 8 includes language contributed by the CQE.   Upon graduation “…all pupils are prepared, at the end of their elementary and secondary education, for college, careers, and successful participation in our democratic institutions, no matter where they live or what their economic, racial, or ethnic background may be.” (Lines 26-30).  To see the bill, click here

 

•    AB 8 passed out of the Assembly Education and Appropriations Committees on April 1, 2009 and May 28, 2009, respectively

•    AB 8 passed out of the Assembly Floor on June 2, 2009

•    Assembly member Cameron Smyth (R-Ventura) signed on as a co-sponsor of AB 8 in June 2009

•    AB 8 passed out of Senate Education Committee, with support from Committee Chair Gloria Romero (D-East LA) and Senator Loni  Hancock (D-Berkeley), on July 15, 2009

•    The CQE is featured on Assemblymember Brownley’s website here

•    A video report on AB 8 by the Assembly Report can be found here

•    NEXT STEP:  AB 8 will be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, August 17, 2009.  For a draft letter of support, please click here.  For more information on how you can support AB 8, please call Carmen Iniguez at (510) 452-2728 or email carmenATcaljustice.org

NOTE:  The bill will require the Director of Finance and the Legislative Analyst to convene a working group to examine recent research (ex. Getting Down To Facts and The Governor’s Committee on Education Excellence) and recommend how to implement a new financing structure to the Legislature and Governor by the end of 2010. The group’s recommendations must include simple, transparent formulas for allocating funding, reflecting the cost of educating students with varying needs, including English learners and students in poverty. The group must recommend easy ways to report financial data so the public can see the effect programs have on student achievement.

Another key feature of the working group, is that it will open up an opportunity for organizations such as the CQE to participate:

“The working group shall consult with, or invite the participation of, organizations or experts it deems appropriate to accomplish its tasks.”

   

About the Campaign for Quality Education

The "100% Prepared" Plan

This year, the Campaign for Quality Education launched a three-year campaign (2008-2010) called the “100% Prepared” Plan.

This plan makes sure that all students in California will be prepared for college, career, and success––no matter where they live or what their economic, racial, or ethnic background may be.

The “100% Prepared” Plan is focused on influencing the state of California to invest in a quality education that provides academically rich and relevant curriculum and instruction for all students in kindergarten through twelfth grades that can lead to higher education and well-paid and meaningful work.

Students protesting cuts to California school funding.

This plan seeks to increase graduation rates of the most under-served populations in California. We seek to ensure that the State of California provides qualified teachers, challenging and meaningful curriculum, and adequate, equitable funding necessary to prepare all students for higher education and careers.

Over the next three years, the CQE will:

  1. Work on state-level policies that promote instructional quality at every level and secondary school curriculum that integrates college and career preparation;
  2. Engage in data advocacy so that students, parents, educators, and community members have the information to hold local districts and schools accountable; and
  3. Build towards long-term school finance reform that includes:
    • Adequate funding for all students to meet high standards;
    • Targeted funding for students who depend most on our education system; and
    • Stable funding every year to ensure the quality of students’ education is consistent.

Using the 2008-2009 budget debate as an opportunity to highlight issues of educational quality, equity, and funding in the State of California, the Campaign for Quality Education will develop a proactive policy and legislative agenda for 2009 to advance the goals of the “100% Prepared” Plan.

   

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