The Educated Guess � Not from 90210? Beverly Hills says, ‘Out’

The Educated Guess � Not from 90210? Beverly Hills says, ‘Out’

Not from 90210? Beverly Hills says, ‘Out’

Tags: Beverly Hills, open enrollment

Posted in Equity issues, Program innovation

The decision by Beverly Hills Unified School District to kick out many non-resident students, starting this fall, portends trouble for the state’s new open-enrollment law, allowing students in the state’s worst performing schools to transfer to better schools in other districts. Many of the state’s wealthiest districts may end up deciding to steer clear of the program.
The Beverly Hills board voted earlier this year to end its policy of enrolling elementary and eighth grade students from other districts under special circumstances. Current high school students can continue to attend district schools.
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By John Fensterwald on July 26th, 2010

Pathways to high schools that work

Tags: AB 2648, Gary Hoachlander
Posted in Career academies, Multiple pathways, Program innovation

Recognizing that today’s high schools are failing to engage many students – or prepare them adequately for college or a career – the Legislature commissioned a study to lay out a long-term plan to expand the most promising development in secondary education. That is the establishment of small career academies within a high school that combine rigorous coursework with internships and real-world experience in various industries and career themes, whether health professions, green technology, building trades, engineering or computer technology.
In a 10-minutes VIDEO INTERVIEW (look left on this page), Gary Hoachlander, the president of California Center for College and Careers and a leading advocate of integrating college and career education, explains the study and its new vision for California high schools. Check it out.

By John Fensterwald on July 26th, 2010

CSBA Scott Plotkin’s troubling resignation

Tags: California School Boards Association, Scott Plotkin
Posted in Adequacy suit, Advocacy organizations

Caught in lies he told the news media last week about questionable credit card expenses and about salary cuts over the past year that he claimed he took – but didn’t, Scott Plotkin resigned Friday as executive director of the California School Boards Association. In a brief statement on CSBA’s web site, Plotkin wrote, “I am sorry if my actions have damaged the reputation of CSBA and the vital work being conducted by the Association. It was certainly not my intent.”
There is no “if” about it. Plotkin, who effectively led the organization for nine years, has scorched it on his way out. And the CSBA officers and board members must go beyond their tight-lipped responses to questions about pay and expenses if it’s to rebuild credibility with the public and the nearly 1,000 school districts whose CSBA dues are funded through tax dollars.
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By John Fensterwald on July 26th, 2010