Education Package Aims To Improve Local Schools
PALM DESERT – California schools are finally getting closer to competing for ” Race to the Top” funds. If one state lawmaker has his way, our schools will have a chance to get their fair share of more than 4 billion dollars in federal funds.
President Obama’s ” Race to the Top” program has specific criteria that states must meet in order to qualify. One of the requirements is linking teacher pay to student performance. Right now California doesn’t do that, but that could soon change.
Over the past couple years, local schools lost money and teachers. Now, the state’s Education Committee is trying to adapt.
“We need to try something different, with less money,” says Assemblyman Brian Nestande. ” That’s the reality and it will be less this year and the next and the next.”
Assemblyman Brian Nestande is on the Education Committee and he recently introduced a new education package aimed at improving education despite shrinking budgets.
“The status quo is not working, by changing and experimenting we hope to find new ideas that work and get our children the type of education they deserve,” says Nestande.
The proposed package includes three bills, which would qualify California schools for ” Race to the Top” funds. The first two bills help get teachers in the classroom, faster.
“Right now they have to take a year out of their life and go back to school to get credentials,” says Nestande. ” We say if you are qualified let’s be quick. You can take a comprehensive test and then move right into the classroom.”
There would be more options for where potential teachers can obtain their credentials.
“Different entities could credential, maybe the local education board or the chamber of commerce could apply,” says Nestande.
However, Nestande isn’t only pushing to help those looking to become teachers. He also wants to hold current teachers more accountable, to ensure only the best teach your children.
“I’d like to give principals room to work with teachers and improve teacher development. Then they can move teachers who should not be there, out of the classroom,” says Nestande.
