State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Unveils New Road Map for Education
LOS ANGELES—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today unveiled a new action plan to guide California's efforts as the state continues to transform its schools over the next four years.
A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0 builds on the groundbreaking 2011 report A Blueprint for Great Schools, which helped usher in a new era in California schools that has included major increases in funding, more rigorous state academic standards, online student assessment testing, and greater support for the students and schools with the most needs.
"Blueprint 2.0 is the next stage of a rocket that is propelling California into a bright future in which every child receives a world-class education," Torlakson said. "I look forward to implementing these recommendations, which will help us better prepare students for college and careers in the 21st century."
Developed based on recommendations made by a team of 29 education leaders and experts, Blueprint 2.0 details next steps in five critical areas: California standards, teaching and leading excellence, student success, continuous improvement and accountability systems, and systems change and supports. Torlakson said the California Department of Education will now work on carrying out the plans.
The Blueprint 2.0 Planning Team was co-chaired by Martha Infante, a teacher at the Los Angeles Academy Middle School; David Rattray, Executive Vice President, Education and Workforce Development for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and President of UNITE-LA, the school-to-career partnership of Los Angeles; and Chris Steinhauser, Superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District.
"I thank all the members of the Blueprint 2.0 Planning Team and especially the co-chairs for their hard work, leadership, and thoughtfulness," Torlakson said. "We have made great progress in recent years, but much more needs to be done to ensure all California children receive the education they deserve. Blueprint 2.0 provides a road map for the next phase of our journey."
Torlakson also announced the creation of the Superintendent's Advisory Accountability/Continuous Improvement Task Force to follow up on recommendations. The task force will be co-chaired by Eric Heins, President of the California Teachers Association, and Wes Smith, Executive Director of the Association of County School Administrators.
As well as detailed recommendations, A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0 includes a call to action, a revised mission, and a review of guiding principles and the emerging "California Way."
"We have worked hard to move forward together in California in a gradual, sensible, and collaborative way," Torlakson said. "I call this approach 'The California Way,' and it is paying huge dividends across the board. Blueprint 2.0 is the latest example of what The California Way can do."
A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0 builds on the groundbreaking 2011 report A Blueprint for Great Schools, which helped usher in a new era in California schools that has included major increases in funding, more rigorous state academic standards, online student assessment testing, and greater support for the students and schools with the most needs.
"Blueprint 2.0 is the next stage of a rocket that is propelling California into a bright future in which every child receives a world-class education," Torlakson said. "I look forward to implementing these recommendations, which will help us better prepare students for college and careers in the 21st century."
Developed based on recommendations made by a team of 29 education leaders and experts, Blueprint 2.0 details next steps in five critical areas: California standards, teaching and leading excellence, student success, continuous improvement and accountability systems, and systems change and supports. Torlakson said the California Department of Education will now work on carrying out the plans.
The Blueprint 2.0 Planning Team was co-chaired by Martha Infante, a teacher at the Los Angeles Academy Middle School; David Rattray, Executive Vice President, Education and Workforce Development for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and President of UNITE-LA, the school-to-career partnership of Los Angeles; and Chris Steinhauser, Superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District.
"I thank all the members of the Blueprint 2.0 Planning Team and especially the co-chairs for their hard work, leadership, and thoughtfulness," Torlakson said. "We have made great progress in recent years, but much more needs to be done to ensure all California children receive the education they deserve. Blueprint 2.0 provides a road map for the next phase of our journey."
Torlakson also announced the creation of the Superintendent's Advisory Accountability/Continuous Improvement Task Force to follow up on recommendations. The task force will be co-chaired by Eric Heins, President of the California Teachers Association, and Wes Smith, Executive Director of the Association of County School Administrators.
As well as detailed recommendations, A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0 includes a call to action, a revised mission, and a review of guiding principles and the emerging "California Way."
"We have worked hard to move forward together in California in a gradual, sensible, and collaborative way," Torlakson said. "I call this approach 'The California Way,' and it is paying huge dividends across the board. Blueprint 2.0 is the latest example of what The California Way can do."
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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
A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0 - Year 2015 (CA Dept of Education):