Smaller Classes, Higher Standards and Real Accountability

By Delaine Eastin

State Superintendent Delaine Eastin summarizes key accomplishments and goals for overhauling California's public education system.

Under my leadership, class sizes in the early grades were cut from 30 students to under 20 in over 86,000 classrooms throughout the state. This has already had a dramatic impact on reading scores -- raising scores in San Francisco and Long Beach by 18% in first grade and by 50% in Compton's first grade.

I advocated for the adoption of high statewide standards in the core subjects. We now have rigorous standards in reading and mathematics for the first time in California's history. High standards in science and social studies are on the way.

I backed tougher standards and more support for beginning teachers. And I designed a system to hold every school accountable to our new standards.

However, standards, assessment and accountability are only part of the solution. Our children need to learn discipline, responsibility and respect. That's why I pushed for character education in our classrooms. And that's why I support a zero tolerance policy for kids involved in drugs or gangs.

School reform can succeed, but we will never have first-rate schools if we fail to raise school funding. Right now, California is dead last in funding per pupil among the 10 largest states. That's a disgrace and I need your help to change it. We need more classrooms and teachers. We need technology and the arts integrated into our curriculum. And we need textbooks and library books that are up-to-date and a longer school year.

As people are finally realizing, too many of California's schools are failing our children. That's why we need to continue down the path of fundamental reform with smaller classes, high standards, more funding, and real accountability.

Please join the long list of educators, elected officials, labor, business and Democratic leaders as well as the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle in supporting me and my fight to give our kids the quality education they deserve.