League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Gloria L. Higgins Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Mountain View-Whisman School District

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. How would you improve test scores in low scoring schools?

There are two major strategies the district must use to improve education for under performing schools, sub-groups and students. First, school leaders, including the Board, must make success for every student a priority. I am pleased the Board is well underway in setting goals and benchmarks for success and I am looking forward to continuing that work. Second, the Board and administration must use assessment data effectively. Specifically, the administration, teachers and staff must be well trained to analyze data and to use that analysis to improve instructional strategies. As a Board member, I will continue to support teachers with the professional development and collaboration time necessary to affect growth.

2. Do you have specific ideas regarding ways to make public education a priority among all parents throughout the district?

Communication is the key to building consensus on any issue. I believe it is important to develop and nurture relationships with all parents and community members, to respect a parent's choice for their own child and to respectfully disagree when necessary. The biggest benefit of a public education is the opportunity it provides to learn with students from different backgrounds and experiences. Events like the Community Dialogues hosted by the Los Altos Community Foundation and the League of Women Voters give us a forum to promote the benefits of public education and to model the skills and attitudes we want our children to acquire.

3. Are there particular qualities and/or specific types of experience that you feel are critical for the new Superintendent to possess?

The superintendent serves as the instructional leader of the district and as a bridge between the district and the community. Above all the new superintendent must put students first. He or she must be a collaborative leader, not only with the leadership team within the district, but also with community groups and government. He or she must be proactive and knowledgeable about curriculum and education funding and policy. And he or she should have experience as a teacher, a principal and administrator.