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Campaign Platform |
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FOUR PILLARS OF SUCCESS FOR MONTEREY
COUNTY SCHOOLS
 Fiscal
Accountability
During these challenging financial times, every taxpayer dollar must
be effectively utilized to achieve Monterey County’s education
goals. Although education funding has been dramatically reduced,
school districts and the County Office of Education have streamlined
cost-effective and efficient operations and focused resources on
teaching and learning in the classroom. All available funding
sources for education in Monterey County schools are being secured,
our school districts are maintaining fiscal solvency, and school
business officials are being provided training opportunities. We are
working in Sacramento for long-term solutions to fund education in
California.
Student
Achievement
Monterey County Schools have seen marked improvement over the last 5
years, surpassing state growth rates on the STAR test with
increasing numbers of students achieving proficiency in reaching
California’s world-class academic standards. Students are
increasingly engaged and successful in school. Monterey County’s
graduation rate (86.3%) surpasses the state rate (80.2%) while our
drop-out rate is dramatically improved (12%) and far below the state
rate (20%). We have set high expectations for closing achievement
gaps and are ensuring our students are well prepared to meet
rigorous academic standards needed to succeed in the 21st century
global economy. The Monterey County Office of Education’s television
studio has been transformed into a modern Media Center where
students and teachers are able to engage in relevant, innovative
teaching and learning projects using state-of-the-art technology.
Art, music, and physical education are being addressed as core
components of a balanced curriculum.
Student
Safety and Health
Schools must continue to be safe, drug-free, healthy learning
environments with a culture of respect for every person. Schools
have coordinated plans for comprehensive school safety, crisis
response, and disaster preparedness with drills conducted regularly.
We are working to ensure that the physical fitness, health, and
nutrition of our students are important components of school
programs. We are working closely with government and community
agencies on preventative measures to address critical issues that
could negatively impact our schools and students such as gang
violence, influenza, and food recalls.
Highly
Qualified Teachers and Staff
Over the next 10 years, it is estimated that nearly a third of
California’s teacher workforce is expected to retire. We are putting
systems and conditions in place to attract and retain the most
highly qualified teachers and staff. High quality professional
development opportunities are provided year-round for teachers and
administrators. Training and career ladders are provided for staff
to reach their professional goals in serving our students. Since
1993 when the Monterey County Office of Education secured beginning
teacher grant funding from the state, we have been training and
supporting teachers in their first years in the profession. In
2009-10, approximately 243 beginning teachers in Monterey County
will be supported with a state grant of $1.2 million. In addition,
for more than 10 years, MCOE has been a partner with CSUMB’s teacher
intern credential program. In 2009-10, $182,000 will support our
future teachers at CSUMB. |
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