Coalition forms behind education reform

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In the face of tight budgets, Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg is pushing a set of three bills that would set new performance measures for schools, and develop curriculum that would help students succeed in the work force.

"I think when the governor takes a careful look at this and hears from the broad array of stakeholders in support of the measures, that we have a good chance for signature," Steinberg said.

Steinberg hosted a press conference at School of Business and Tourism at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex in downtown Los Angeles to rally support for his package of bills, SB 547, SB 611, and SB 612.

Lisa Gonzales of the Association of California School Administrators said that SB 547 is the most important bill of the legislative session.

"SB 547 will bring the important elements of what students, parents, and the public care about, such as whether students graduate and whether they will go on to career or college," she said.

Current measures of schools are based solely on test scores. Steinberg says that the bill is a response to Washington D.C.'s failure to reform No Child Left Behind.

Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, says the new bill would make California a leader in assessment. He explains the problem with relying on test scores to evaluate schools.

"I would say since I'm in Southern California that you wouldn't judge Dodger Pitcher Clayton Kershaw by just one game. Why would you judge schools by just one set of tests?" he said. "If you set the target differently, then the schools will gradually begin to aim at a different target, that is richer deeper, more meaningful, more engaging."

The set of bills, reformers say, will help education become more relevant to students and their future.

Catherine Baltazar, a senior at the School of business and tourism, credits the school for helping her get a summer internship with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.

"I do want to learn to be professional, to participate in mock interviews, in resume building to be able to go out in the real world," she said. "I feel like other students should be able to have this experience and be able to say, 'I like to go to school.'"

The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce consulted in the school's development. David Rattray, Senior Vice President of Education & Workforce Development, says the bills will create greater opportunities for such efforts. "I think the business community can't wait for this to happen."

The bills are still under consideration of the legislature. Beyond the specific bills, however, Steinberg says he hopes to build a broad coalition for the long term.