Executive director's note: United we stand; divided we fall
Make advocacy your priority
By:
Vernon M. Billy
Published: June 28, 2012
There has never been a time in our nation’s history when the public education system has been so besieged with challenges and attacks that threaten its very existence. Our schools are the last bastion of what is truly American—the only remaining social institution that perpetuates our nation’s foundational democratic principles of freedom, equity, individuality and liberty. And, while it’s true that California’s educational system has survived for more than 100 years and has remained strong despite a civil war, social upheaval, privatization, and misinformed and misguided politicians, this election year could deliver a major blow to California’s schools.
Under-funded and under siege, our schools are poised for a major setback if we, the educational leaders of the state, don’t stand up together and take immediate action. Segments of our society have begun to question our very existence and have completely discounted the good that our school system has done for children from all walks of life for more than a century. Nowhere else in our society do we see democracy in action in its purest form than on a public school playground, where children from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds all come together as Americans. Public education is the great equalizer and the great unifier of our state and nation.
Yet, some so-called educational reformers are eroding public confidence in our schools. Data has been taken out of context to tell a story of widespread failure and defeat. School board members who have been working to improve our schools know a different story; a different truth. Most students do succeed in public schools. Our students are achieving at higher levels than ever before and are graduating with better overall academic skills, as evidenced by the growing number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes, and rising API scores. The highest number of students in history are graduating—roughly 74.4 percent statewide—and going on to pursue higher education and postsecondary vocational training. The dropout rate at 18 percent (per the California Department of Education), while still unacceptable, is at a low point in California. Record numbers of limited and non-English-speaking students are learning English, being certified as language proficient, and are working at grade level. In fact, the 2011-12 California English Language Development Test results show that more than 42 percent of the English learners who took the test now score as early advanced or advanced, almost 10 percent more than in 2006-07.
Our truth—the truth—is that despite all the challenges and the lack of funding, California public schools today do an admirable job. Even as programs are being cut and class sizes are soaring back up to 30-plus, parents and those who know the challenges and triumphs of our educational system continue to support this amazing democratic institution. If parents and local voters feel that our schools are doing a good job, why are so many external forces making headway in their attacks on our public school system?
One reason may be that our Legislature no longer prioritizes public schools. State political leaders have forgotten that providing a public education to our students is a fundamental responsibility and is constitutionally mandated. Instead, schools have been targeted for the highest percentage of cuts and funding deferrals, forcing many school districts to seek loans just to cover operating expenses. Because of the state’s budget actions, in part, 188 school districts have been identified as having qualified or negative budget certifications.
Moreover, the champions of our educational system are in the minority. Most voters don’t have children in our schools. Non-parents don’t know the extent of the devastation caused by sustained inadequate funding nor the challenges and costs associated with educating a diverse and growing student population. We shoulder some of the blame for the lack of support of our educational system, as some in the education community have become complacent and unwillingly to change with the political times in order to become more effective advocates on behalf of schools. Very few non-parents are exposed to the miracles that our CSBA members see each day as they visit campuses across the state.
School board members can be at the forefront of turning the tide of negativity. I implore you to stand united with CSBA and to support public education on Election Day. There are at least two immediate steps you can take now to help drive much-needed funding to our schools.
First, consider taking a formal position on both of the revenue initiatives on the November ballot at your August or September board meeting. Information and a sample resolution can be found at www.csba.org. Both initiatives direct needed funds to schools, even though neither offers an appropriate long-term, sustained funding solution. A resolution on this issue from your board will affirm to your parents and local voters that both initiatives will do what is conveyed in the ballot language—direct needed funding to grossly under-funded schools.
Next, consider throwing your personal support behind the initiatives by educating your community about the cuts that have already been made to schools and explaining what the benefits will be to your schools if new revenue is put into education. To boost revenue to schools, we need voters to support the initiatives. Anti-public education and anti-tax groups will soon fill mailboxes, cyberspace and the airways with negative appeals. If we stand together, we can tell our story and equip voters with the facts.
Visit our website often for information and tools to help you educate your local community.