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Last
month we honored the life and contributions of a famous American, Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., and this month we celebrate Black History.
Soon, we will celebrate the contributions of another hero, Cesar
Chavez. As we take time to commemorate these occasions, it is
important also to remember that while great progress in the struggle
for social justice has been achieved, the struggle continues. One of
the great remaining battles is assuring the success of every student,
no matter the color of their skin, creed, income, or ethnic
background.
During the 14th March
of 1964, Dr King spoke to the importance of education in creating a
just and color blind society. He said, “It is precisely because
education is the road to equality and citizenship, that it has been
made more elusive for Negroes than many other rights. The walling off
of Negroes from equal education is part of the historical design to
submerge him in second class status. Therefore, as Negroes have
struggles to be free they have had to fight for the opportunity for a
decent education.”
Dr. King’s words still resonate.
Integrated schools were a first step to breaking down the walls
keeping African Americans, Latinos and others from a “decent
education.” We must and can eliminate the achievement gaps between
students of color and their white counterparts.
Closing the achievement gap and
meeting the challenge of our first District priority—equity, access,
and achievement of every student by name—are at the heart of our
strategic plan and work. Our District’s Blue Ribbon Commission was
convened in the first year of my tenure as Superintendent. Community
members, parents, teachers and other stakeholders served on the
commission as well as on a special task force. The Commission’s
report, “Framework for Eliminating the Achievement Gap,” was sent to
more than 300 individuals and organizations in November, shared with
our Board of Education and schools. Recommendations centered on four
focus areas: instructional program, professional development, family
and community engagement and human resources. Many of the
recommendations have already been implemented, and other
recommendations are included as part of the work outlined in our
strategic plan. The framework is available on our District web site,
www.scusd.edu, by clicking on the
“2006-2008 Strategic Plan.”
This effort is demonstrating
results. In reviewing our annual state measurement of student
achievement, the Academic Performance Index (API), we noted that our
growth API increases were largest for African American and Hispanic
students. As we compared ourselves to seven other California districts
with similar demographics, we noted that we had a larger growth API
for African American students than five of those districts. We showed
similar results for students in other categories such as English
learners, socio-economically disadvantaged and students with
disabilities.
In sharing our District framework
for closing the gap, I noted, “No issue is more critical or deserving
of urgent attention than closing the achievement gap. No obligation or
challenge greater.” Throughout the District—from the Board of
Education to our principals, teachers, and other support staff—we are
committed to closing the gap in student performance and to ensuring
the success of every student by name.
Click here to email Superintendent M. Magdalena
Carrillo Mejia, Ph.D.
Superintendent's Prior Messages
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"Success
of every student critical to struggle for social justice"
