State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson
Urges President Obama
to Protect Education Jobs and Invest in Schools
SACRAMENTO—As President Barack Obama prepares to address a joint session of Congress on job creation and economic growth, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is urging him to protect education jobs and help rebuild California schools.
"I'm reaching out to the President because his address presents an opportunity to advocate for desperately needed new jobs that would help rebuild and modernize our schools to meet the educational demands of the 21st century," said Torlakson. "Such an initiative also could advance much-needed information-technology infrastructure and promote cutting-edge research opportunities in biotechnology, green technology, genetics, and similar areas."
In a letter to the President, Torlakson noted that the state's continued financial crisis has resulted in $18 billion in budget cuts since 2008-09 to California public education, the loss of thousands of education jobs, cuts to critical student support services, and increased class sizes—all of which have had a negative effect on the state's economy.
Torlakson thanked the President for providing $7.5 billion in stimulus funding for K-12 education in California that have helped support educational agencies and saved thousands of jobs. However, education leaders are bracing themselves as this critical support is soon scheduled to end while the statewide fiscal crisis continues.
Torlakson urged the President to invest in job programs that benefit teachers and school employees and will provide immediate help to students. He also asked the President to create programs that invest in the construction, maintenance, and modernization of school facilities that in turn will save money, create construction jobs, and promote positive learning environments for children.
As part of Torlakson's plan to improve education in California that was outlined in A Blueprint for Great Schools, Torlakson has pledged to build the ranks of teachers and provide them with the resources they need.
For a complete text of Torlakson's letter to the President, please visit the California Department of Education Web site atSchools Chief Urges President to Protect Education - Letters. For more information on A Blueprint for Great Schools, please visit A Blueprint For Great Schools - Initiatives & Programs.
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State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Welcomes
Students and Teachers Back to School
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson officially welcomed students, teachers, school employees, and administrators back to school, and provided parents with 10 timely back-to-school tips today for the start of the traditional school year.
"Our state's future depends on our public schools," Torlakson said. "Across California, students are starting the school year with high hopes. And though teachers, school employees, and administrators are coping with enormous challenges, I know they are committed to making this year the very best for each and every student. Welcome back to school, California!"
Tom's Back-to-School Tips
- Get your shots. Seventh through twelve graders must get their pertussis shots, and must show proof of immunization to attend public and private schools this fall. Administrators may allow unimmunized students to remain in school for 30 days after the start of school before meeting the vaccine requirement. For more information, please visit Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Requirement - Health Services & School Nursing.
- Get your sleep. Doctors recommend children in the first through fifth grades get as much as 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can affect a child's ability to learn and may affect their immune systems.
- Have a healthy breakfast. Hungry children do not learn as well as well-nourished ones. If you don't have time to pack a healthy lunch, schools usually serve students well-balanced meals. Low-income children may qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Just fill out an application directly at your school.
- Stay active. Keep children physically active with bike rides, basketball, and walkathons. Studies show that physically active students have better classroom behavior and a better ability to learn and achieve.
- Avoid school absences. Chronic absences are an early predictor of students dropping out of school that could affect their academic and career success.
- Read! Reading to children calms them at bedtime and exposes them to language, sounds, new ideas, and the love of reading. Create a comfortable, quiet, well-lit place to study in your house for older children, away from distractions like electronic devices and toys. This will help them concentrate and absorb more of what they are trying to learn.
- Get to know your child's teacher. This will help create a good line of communication to help avoid conflicts and misunderstandings about your child's education.
- Lend a hand. Volunteer your time, raise money through booster clubs, and donate supplies to your local school. In these tough economic times, schools have cut back severely. Plus, the school and students benefit from parents who are actively engaged in their children's education.
- Drink plenty of water. Many students have already started training for the high school sports season. With temperatures still in the 90s, everyone needs to watch out for heat exhaustion. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has created a free online course to prevent heat-related illness. For the free course, please visit Health Studies: Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Heat Related Illness (HRI) Prevention | CDC HSB (Outside Source).
- Spend quality time with your kids. This helps in your children's development and happiness, and helps reduce your own stress.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100