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By Dave Holscher On March 30, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and a distinguished panel of experts convened at Chapman University's Argyros School of Business and Economics to address Education Solutions 2010 for California and the nation. In her keynote presentation, Sanchez discussed the value of establishing performance standards and measurements through the No Child Left Behind program, but pointed out a lack of funding to implement improvements as a significant shortfall. Panelists also observed that adherence to the program is hampering individual teachers in adapting their efforts to local and individual needs. Sanchez described frustration at the local level, as school districts continue to experience budget cuts that increase parental concerns, yet funding decisions are beyond local control. She also noted two legislative initiatives needed to help address the education crisis, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the U.S. and World Education Act, which she authored. The panel generated a wide range of observations, comments and recommendations. Among them were the vital importance of parental involvement, the education level within the household, development of values like respect and hard work, increased flexibility in how state funding is utilized at the local level, the fundamental role of the teacher, increased choice in the types of schools and education programs provided, the wide variability between schools and the need to adapt standards to that reality, and the need to leverage technology for improved efficiencies and enhanced learning. Sanchez received an award from the YMCA Youth & Government program in recognition of her exemplary commitment to education issues. |
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