Slow Process of Improving Schools

The Nov. 11 editorial, “The Easy School Fixes Are Over,” fundamentally misunderstood why California sets the bar high for student achievement. California is nationally recognized for implementing high standards through teacher training, and aligning curriculum, textbooks and tests to ensure kids are learning. This ongoing 10-year effort has improved schools. This is not a quick fix but a long-term quest we must not abandon just because it’s not an overnight success.

Analysts say the slowdown in academic progress may be a waning fidelity to teach the standards-based curriculum. We must stay focused on high standards and redouble our efforts to avoid complacency. I would never blame educators or parents. We must work as a team and take responsibility for our children’s education.

I am proud of what The Times calls my “obsession with toughening academic standards.” This does not mean every child should go to college. It means our education system should challenge every child to reach his full potential after graduation, whether he chooses college, the military or careers.

Jack O’Connell

State Superintendent

of Public Instruction

Sacramento