|
In This Issue...
|
|
Opinions
|
|
|
Nine Accomplishments at the County Office of Education in ‘05
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Accomplishments at the County Office of Education in ‘05
by Dr. Diane Siri, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools
January is traditionally a time for lists, both making new resolutions and taking stock of events that transpired during the year before. It is in that spirit that I want to pass on to you a list of nine important accomplishments at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in 2005. There is much to be proud of in public education in general throughout the state. Although our schools are still struggling as a result of state budget cuts, we can celebrate the accomplishments that help students improve their academic performance.
No. 1 " Trainings for Teachers and Administrators
The COE provided over 3,500 hours of staff development training to teachers and administrators. Professional development opportunities provided to teachers covered all aspects of the classroom. Ongoing focus areas for staff development include math, reading and English language learners.
AB75 training for administrators focuses on adopted standards-based instructional programs as well as how to supervise and support teachers with emphasis on effective instructional strategies. The Santa Cruz COE is among 22 of the 58 county offices in the state authorized to provide AB75 training.
No. 2 " Recruiting and Retaining Top Teachers
The COE is working with districts to recruit and retain top-notch instructors throughout the County. The high cost of living, particularly for housing, demands that we actively seek innovative ways to attract qualified teachers to our County schools. To retain that staff, BEST (Building Excellent Schools Together) " our program to make new teachers welcome and in the process retain teachers " is now in its sixth year.
No. 3 " Baldrige in Education
The Baldrige in Education (BiE) program is a data-driven, systemic approach to continuous improvement modeled on successful quality business practices. During the past year the Baldrige Center at the County Office of Education has continued its training classes, taking the Baldrige program to campuses throughout the County and State. Harry Hertz, Executive Director, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was featured speaker at a gathering of educators and business leaders from throughout Santa Cruz County.
No. 4 " Helping District Find Effective
Partnerships
In December 2004, the COE, district superintendents and board trustees formed an ad hoc committee to investigate practices that would best serve our students’ academic achievement as well as provide effective, efficient services and support to district, staffs, teachers and students throughout the County. Ten districts boards passed “Schools Working Together” resolutions to approach innovative ways to improve student education through formal and informal cooperation, communication and collaborations.
No 5. " Helping Students Excel in Math
Approximately 215 teachers have received training how to most effectively teach the requirements of the State Contents Standards and State Math framework using their adopted math text books. The training is an intensive five-day class.
No. 6 " Girls’ Engineering Program
Currently in the planning stages, we are looking at ways to encourage girls to venture into and be successful at math and science classes. A summer program is in the works that will provide enrichment in the math and sciences with the hope of giving girls a head start and the confidence to continue with math and science courses in high school and possibly in their college career choices.
No. 7 " Tripled Alternative Education Graduations
The Alternative Education (AE) Program at the COE celebrated its largest graduating class ever when 140 students graduated in June of 2005. Combined with the mid-year ceremony in January, the AE Program successfully tripled the number of graduates over prior year numbers.
No. 8 " Santa Cruz County Science Fair Continues to Grow
The growth in the number of participants in the local Science Fair "- along with the continued development of science projects exhibited by those participants " has been phenomenal. Based upon a five-year average of projects submitted, Santa Cruz is the number one California State Science Fair award winner, having garnered a 29 percent, five-year average. Students have gone on to the International Science Fair and have come home with trophies, scholarships and other honors. Seagate Technology has been a tremendous sponsor of the Science Fair both with personnel and dollars.
No 9 " Helping New Teachers Work Effectively in the Classroom
Opened in 1988, the New Teacher Project provides training to teachers in their first and second years in the classroom along with mentors to emphasize and to assist with the implementation of new ideas and provide support with the challenges. The project is co-sponsored by the University of California at Santa Cruz, and works throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.
As we enter 2006, I am confident the County Office of Education and school districts throughout Santa Cruz County will continue to achieve and realize great accomplishments that improve educational opportunity in Santa Cruz County.
|
