Reaching for Equity and Excellence: California’s Educational Progress and the Path Ahead
Co-sponsored by the Learning Policy Institute and EdSource
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the perspective of the Learning Policy Institute.
Jump to: Welcome | Research Presentation | Keynote | Panel One | Panel Two | Next Steps for California | Closing Remarks
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California’s transition to a new governor and state superintendent of public instruction provides an opportunity to take stock of the state’s landmark education reforms and investments. On February 21, guests joined the Learning Policy Institute and EdSource for an in-depth look into California’s progress towards education equity and excellence. The event featured the release of a new Learning Policy Institute report, The California Way: The Golden State’s Quest to Build an Equitable and Excellent Education System, and included a series of panels with leading researchers, policymakers, advocates, organizers, and practitioners. The event was designed to highlight education exemplars in California and spur dialogue among stakeholders about progress, challenges, and next steps for California. Topics included:
- An overview of California’s shift to a more equitable, well-rounded, and community-centered k-12 funding and accountability system
- The critical role that new standards, assessments, and investments have played in reshaping education in California
- A look at exemplary practices that can inform and guide future progress
- Next steps for California education policy and practice, to deepen and extend progress towards equity and excellence
Speakers included:
- Tom Armelino, Executive Director, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
- Linda Darling-Hammond, President, Learning Policy Institute
- Francisco Escobedo, Superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District
- Louis Freedberg, Executive Director, EdSource
- Roberta Furger, Senior Writer and Director of Storytelling, Learning Policy Institute
- Laura Hernández, Senior Researcher, Learning Policy Institute
- Heather Hough, Executive Director, Policy Analysis for California Education
- Rucker Johnson, Associate Professor of Public Policy, UC Berkeley
- John Kim, Executive Director, Advancement Project California
- Michael Kirst, President, State Board of Education; Former President, California State Board of Education
- Danielle Letts, 5th Grade Teacher, Hubbard Media Arts Academy; 3-5 Director, Alum Rock Educators Association; Member, Instructional Leadership Corps
- Aurea Montes-Rodriguez, Executive Vice President, Community Coalition
- Patrick O’Donnell, California State Assembly (D-Long Beach)
- David Rattray, Executive Vice President, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
- Patrick Shields, Executive Director, Learning Policy Institute
- Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education
