Education Now

Romero's Race to the Top bill gathers widespread support

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:25:08 -0800

From Sen. Romero's desk:

Sen. Gloria Romero, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, today released a list of widespread support for the Senate's Race to the Top legislation, SB X5 1, which she authored.

The comprehensive and bipartisan bill, containing reforms necessary for California to be eligible and competitive for the federal Race to the Top grants.

The bill, which passed the State Senate on Nov. 4, will next be heard in the Assembly Education Committee on Dec. 9.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a Fifth Extraordinary Session on education in August to focus on California's response to the federal Race to the Top Fund eligibility requirements.

Race to the Top will provide $4.35 billion in competitive grants to encourage and reward states that create the conditions for education innovation and reform. California could receive between $350 million to as much as $700 million if it's application is deemed competitive by the federal government.

SBX5 1 provides for turning around historically low-achieving schools, using data to improve instruction and student performance, removes the state's cap on the number of charter schools, authorizes open enrollment for students in low-performing schools, and requires the state to develop a plan to implement reforms that will make California competitive for a Race to the Top grant.

Moreover, the bill puts California in compliance with the federal requirements for a Race to the Top grant and requires the state to apply for a Phase 1 grant.

Since September, Romero has held informational hearings on the legislation and the Race to the Top in Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose and Los Angeles.

More resources and information are available at Senator Romero's Race to the Top Web page.

Supporter Organizations Include:

- A Plus- The Association of Personalized Learning Schools & Services

- Alliance College-Ready Public Schools

- Alliance for a Better Community

- California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

- California Business for Education Excellence

- California State NAACP

- Central City Association of Los Angeles

- Central city Administrators

- CHARO Community Development Corporation

- Children NOW

- Contra Costa council/Contra Costa Economic Partnership

- County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

- County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

- EdVoice

- Families in Schools

- Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance

- Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce

- LA Education Partnership

- Ledford Enterprises

- Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

- Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

- Los Angeles County Office of Education

- Orange County Business Council

- Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)

- San Diego East County Economic Development

- San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

- San Diego County Office of Education

- San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

- Sweetwater Union High School District, Office of the Board of Trustees

- Valley Industrial and Commerce Association

- Youth Policy Institute

Supporter Individuals Include:

- Dan Hom, Focuscom Inc.

- Ramon Cortines, Superintendent, Los Angles Unified School District

- Barbara Ryan, Member of the Santee Board of Education

- Clovis Unified School District- Superintendent's Office

- Fresno County Office of Education- Superintendent's Office

- Fresno Unified School District-Superintendent's Office

- Jordan Brandman, Trustee of the Anaheim Union High School District

- Lakeside Union School District- Superintendent's Office

- Long Beach Unified School District- Superintendent's Office

- Los Angeles Unified School District, Superintendent's Office

- Mayor of the City of Fresno

- Mayor of the City of Sacramento

- Mayor of the City of San Jose

- Napa County Office of Education- Superintendent's Office

- Orange County Department of Education- Superintendent's Office

- Vista Unified School District- Superintendent's Office

- Walnut Valley Unified School District- Superintendent's Office

CSU enrollment to end soon

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:01:21 -0800

Amid an unprecedented rise in submissions, the California State University will conclude its priority application period on Nov. 30. As of Monday, CSUMentor.edu, the university system's admissions portal, has received 391,151 applications-30 percent more than the start of the final week of the priority period last year.

As a result of the rising demand for a CSU education-combined with a drastic reduction in state funding-at least 14 campuses will stop accepting fall 2010 first-time freshmen applications on Nov. 30.

Additional CSU campuses may end their application period any time after Nov. 30. CSU officials are reminding all prospective students to apply early, have a backup plan, and consider applying to their local Cal State campus.

Many of the patterns seen throughout this year's application period are continuing. Applications among upper division transfer students (at 120,825) are nearly double last year's totals. Similarly, first-time freshmen applications (at 268,570) are holding a strong gain of 14 percent from the prior year.

The "apply early" message is resonating with communities throughout California. As of Nov. 18, applications from Asian American, Latino and Native American prospective students rose by more than 40 percent from the prior year. Applications from African American prospective students rose by 35 percent.

The final week of the fall priority application period is often the busiest time of the year for CSUMentor.edu, the site which allows prospective students to explore the 23 CSU campuses, research financial aid and submit applications.

With the coming holiday, it is especially important for students to be aware of help resources available. Some campus admission offices will be open Monday, Nov. 23, through Wednesday, Nov. 25. All campuses will close Thursday, Nov. 26 and 27, most reopening Monday, Nov. 30.

Technical assistance for CSUMentor.edu will be provided throughout the week by the help desk at (800) 468-6927 or support@CSUMentor.edu. Help is available in English and Spanish. Holiday hours for the help desk/line on CSUMentor are:

Day	Hours Available
11/26	8:00am - 11:00pm
11/27	8:00am - 11:00pm
11/28	8:00am - 11:00pm
11/29	6:30am - 11:00pm
11/30	6:30am - 2:00am (12/1)

Governor appoints local student to CSU Board of Trustees

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:53:57 -0800

From CSU offices:

Curtis Schlaufman, 23, of Diamond Bar, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. During 2008-2009, he served as president and chief executive officer of the Associated Students at California State University, Fullerton where he previously served as executive vice president from 2007 to 2008 and chief governmental officer from 2006 to 2007. Schlaufman served on the California State Student Association's Board of Directors from 2004 to 2009.

The CSU Board of Trustees has two trustee positions reserved for current university students. The students serve as members of the board for up to two years.

BA in science now available at West Coast University

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:07:45 -0800

West Coast University, one of the largest educators of nurses in California will start classes for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Management beginning Feb. 1

West Coast University gained approval from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to offer the degree at its Los Angeles and Ontario campuses.

West Coast University has invested heavily to provide a quality Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Healthcare Management.

Business-related classes like Introduction to Business, Financial Accounting and Project Management, are carefully balanced with health-centric classes such as Introduction to Anatomy, Legal Aspects of Healthcare and Medical Ethics and Issues. Classes are kept small and taught by instructors with practical, real-world experience who employ a blended learning environment where online and traditional learning are integrated throughout the curriculum.

The program at West Coast University will offer a year-round, multiple-start schedule enabling students to complete business administration educational requirements using online and classroom delivery methods. The program's unique online and on-site structure allows students to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in approximately three years - one year faster than most traditional programs.

Online registration for Mt. SAC closed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:17:08 -0800

New and continuing Mt. San Antonio College's students must register for classes online , as telephone registration is no longer available.

Before registering, new students are required to activate their personal Mt. SAC portal accounts at the same website -- www.my.mtsac.edu -- which provides set-up instructions.

Students will receive a registration date and time in their portal account and will not be allowed to register before their assigned time.

For students who do not have computer access, computers and assistance will be provided in the Student Services Center during business hours.

Online registration for Mt. SAC six-week winter intersession credit classes began last week and are through Dec. 22.

New students must submit an admission application online at www.mtsac.edu. They may also apply in person at the Admissions & Records Office on campus, located in the Student Services Center.

Information: (909) 594-5611, ext. 4415 or www.mtsac.edu.

Cal Poly Pomona Ends Day-to-Day Operations at Downtown Center

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:14 -0800

press release from Cal Poly Pomona:

Cal Poly Pomona, in the midst of a budget crisis that has roiled public higher education throughout the state, is no longer able to operate the Pomona Downtown Center as a university facility. Cal Poly Pomona is working with its community partners to determine which activities will be able to remain downtown and which will relocate to other venues in Pomona, such as smaller neighborhood community centers. In particular, The School of Arts and Enterprise (SAE), a State of California charter high school that moved into the facility in 2002, is expected to expand its role and take on the day-to-day operations of the center.

"Over the past 10 years, the Downtown Center has been the impetus of some terrific community programs. There have been hundreds of outreach and service events, art exhibitions, performances and festivals. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the volunteers, nonprofits, donors, the City of Pomona, and the downtown itself that helped make all of this possible," said Carol Richardson, dean of the College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences. "But our diminished funding required this difficult decision."

"I was saddened to hear the news, but given the extraordinary cuts in state funding these days, I understand Cal Poly Pomona's decision," said Ed Tessier, whose family has made donations to the Center over the years. "Fortunately, with the continued help of The SAE and other nonprofit groups, The Downtown Center will stay open. Though no longer operated by the university, it will continue to host cultural programs such as art exhibitions and plays. It will remain an anchor in the Arts Colony and continue to contribute to the revitalization of the downtown. That is a wonderful legacy of Cal Poly Pomona's work here."

In addition to its decade-long leadership at the Downtown Center, the university's ties to the community run deep. For the last three years, Cal Poly Pomona has partnered with the Pomona Public Library as well as agencies throughout the city to offer various programs such as the NEA Big Read Initiative. Partner agencies have included the School of Arts and Enterprise, City of Pomona, Parks and Recreation, Pomona Boys and Girls Club, Pomona Unified School District, Pomona Historical Society, First Baptist Church of Pomona, Western University of Health Sciences and the YMCA to name a few.

State Supt. urges progress on Race to the Top legislation

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:34:51 -0800

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger held a news conference today to urge stsate policy makers to accelerate their work on Race To The Top bills.

The urgency is in order to ensure California's eligibility to compete for the unprecedented federal funds available through the Race To The Top.

The Race To The Top competition is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Superintendent O'Connell, Governor Schwarzenegger, and the State Board of Education President Ted Mitchell are jointly responsible for developing and submitting California's Race To The Top Application.

"I want to win the Race To The Top. I know the Governor does as well. If we all stay engaged and work together we can submit a winning application. And, at the end of the race, the real winners will be the students of California."

For more information on how Race To The Top and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 affect public education in California, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ar/.

CSUSB to aid students impacted by cuts to CSU and UC systems

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:50:33 -0800

San Bernardino -- Brandman University Chancellor Gary Brahm and San Bernardino Valley College Campus President Dr. Debra S. Daniels will sign an Early Advantage Partnership

today to aid students impacted by cuts to Cal State and UC systems.

The signing -- which will open doors to new higher education opportunities for students throughout the region -- is at 1 p.m. Nov. 19 in the President's Conference Room, AD/SS 207, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino.

With Cal State San Bernardino and other Cal State universities and UC campuses faced with severe budget and faculty cuts, impacted programs and tougher admissions, the EAP signing removes obstacles for students and allows them to pursue their career goals at a credible university that is highly competitive when it comes to admission expenses and offers flexibility to meet the needs of working students.

Under the terms of the EAP, community college students attending San Bernardino Valley College who enroll in the program and wish to attend Brandman University's Ontario campus will have access to enhanced cooperative academic and student services including the University's advising services, information sessions, technology support, academic catalogs and educational plans.

It will also allow students to transfer credit through its Web Advisor as well as offering personalized career counseling while still attending community college and taking transferable coursework. On top of all that, students who enroll in the program will benefit from a 10% discount on their tuition.

"Students attending San Bernardino Valley College were eligible to enroll in the EAP program beginning fall term 2009, and can take transferable coursework in the following programs: Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Development, Legal Studies, Liberal Studies/Multiple Subjects Teaching, Organizational Leadership, Psychology, Social Science and Sociology.

Community college students are eligible to transfer to Brandman University anytime up to one year after their last term of attendance at San Bernardino Valley College. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and must attend at least one academic term/semester at San Bernardino Valley College before entering into the program.

Earlier this year, Brandman University changed its name from Chapman University College. This name change reflects a generous $10 million donation by The Brandman Foundation of Los Angeles. Brandman University is a separate, fully accredited university within the Chapman University System focusing on adult students.

For more information, visit www.valleycollege.edu or call (909) 384-4400.

Race to the Top grants scheduled for Dec. 9

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:55:16 -0800

This in from Assembly Speaker Karen Bass:

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, today announced that a vote by the Assembly Education Committee on legislation to help make California eligible for federal Race to the Top education grants has been scheduled for December 9, and that a floor vote will likely take place soon after.

(Photo: file art)

The announcement follows the acceleration of the schedule of hearings aimed at ensuring legislation matches recently released federal requirements that California must follow to receive the competitive grants.

read more...

Students to host walk-out/teach-in

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:09:39 -0800

Students of Cal Poly Pomona will host a walkout/teachin on Nov. 19 to promote awareness and empower students about the cuts coming to the CSU and UC systems.

The goal of the walkout/teach-in is to change the feeling of hopelessness and apathy that many students have toward public policy.

The walkout/teach-in will have various speakers - faculty and teachers and cover topics surrounding the budget cuts as well as possible solutions to the problem.

Walkout will begin at 11:30 a.m. and meet up at the rally point in the University Park by noon -- The grassy area in the middle of buildings 5,6, and 8.

There will be an arts component to the teach-in, students are asked to express how the budget cuts have affected them through art, poerty etc.

(Frank Perez/Correspondent) Cal Poly Pomona students gather at the Brown Bag lunch with the President, where student and faculty have the opportunity to raise concerns, comment on campus issues and pose questions to university president Michael Ortiz , on Tuesday , October 6, 2009

Today, CSU San Bernardino also hostsed a student walkout, as well as a mock trustees meeting.

Both walkout's are in response to fee increases, furloughs, class cuts, cuts to enrollment, and the lack of leadership students have received over the years.

Michael Ortiz to stay at Cal Poly

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:27:07 -0800

In an e-mail with a subject line "Staying Home," Cal Poly Pomona President J. Michael Ortiz informed faculty, staff and students he is no longer a candidate to be the next president of New Mexico State University.

Colleagues,

Throughout our lives, we remember reaching crossroads -- those times
when it was necessary to make a difficult decision. Today, Betty and I
have chosen to be guided by our hearts: I have informed the Board of
Regents at New Mexico State University that I am no longer a candidate
for their presidency.

The outpouring of support we have received over the past couple of
weeks has been unbelievably moving. We are privileged to be part of
this great community.

In the end, there is so much more we need to accomplish. We are facing
the most difficult challenges in our history. To face these we have
to come together as a community. Our students are relying on us.
This is our fight, and we can't just walk away.

Michael Ortiz

Photo: Michael Ortiz, president of Cal Poly Pomona. (Photo courtesy of Tom Zasadzinski, Cal Poly Pomona)

Read the article announcing Ortiz was one of five finalists to be president of New Mexico State University.

I-Poly to host annual recruitment open house

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:26:04 -0800

The International Polytechnic (I-Poly) High School will open its doors to community members for its annual recruitment open house.

Prosective students and their families will pick up the new 2010-11 application for admission and informaiton about I-Poly. Faculty, administrators and students will be available to showcase the school's academic and extracurricular activities.

The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, bldg., 128-16, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona.

In May, I-Poly was one of 125 high schools named a 2009 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. Previously, I-Poly was awarded the Gold Bell by the California School Board Association in the category of "Innovation in High School."

Information: (909) 869-2260 or www.lacoe.edu/i-poly

Herbert L. Carter becomes chair to CSU board

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:09:58 -0800

California State University has announced Herbert L. Carter has become the chair of the Board of Trustees following the resignation of board chair Jeffrey Bleich who has been named as Ambassador to Australia by the Obama Administration.

Carter has been a member of the board since 2004, and has served as vice chair since 2008.

He has been affiliated with the CSU for more than 35 years working in a variety of administrative positions, and served as acting president of CSU Dominguez Hills in 1998.

By law, Bleich, who has served on the board since 2004 and been chair since 2008, cannot hold both positions concurrently. Bleich is a partner in Munger, Tolles & Olson, and most recently served as special counsel to President Obama.

The board of trustees will select a vice chair at its meeting in January.

7-year old child tragically dies of H1N1

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:20:34 -0800

FONTANA -- A West Heritage Elementary School student has died due to complications from the H1N1 flu.

Joey Holt, 7, of Fontana died Nov. 5 at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland.

An autopsy released Monday by the San Bernardino County Coroner's Department to his parents indicated he had acquired the virus, the boy's mother Jessica Holt said.

Joey had been sent home from school on Nov. 2 with a fever, but it went away the next day, Jessica Holt said.

"But by that Wednesday morning, he woke up pale, lethargic and wasn't himself," she said.

Jessica Holt took her son on Nov. 4 to their peditrician and the boy came home later that day.

Jessica Holt said her son's health took a turn for the worse at 7:45 a.m. Nov. 5.

"That's when I called the ambulance and that's where it ended," she said. "I'm just in so much shock ... my baby is gone."

Jessica Holt said her son had an underlying health condition -- asthma -- and was also a pre-mature baby. He also had not received the flu shot.

Etiwanda School District officials will send a letter to parents on Nov. 18 to inform them a "student with underlying conditions did tragically pass away," Superintendent Shawn Judson said.

Jessica Holt is starting a nonprofit -- the Joey Holt Foundation -- to improve awareness about H1N1. She will have a dine-out fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at Corky's Diner, 6403 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.

Money raised at the event will go toward the foundation and families who cannot afford the vaccination.

"Joey wanted to be a doctor and wanted to help everybody, and if I can save one child in his honor that will make my heart warm," Jessica Holt said.

California health officials said there have been almost 300 deaths attributed to swine flu in the state.

If you're interested in donating to the Joey Holt Foundation or if you want to send your wishes:

POBOX 547

Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 91729

Information: (909) 899-5955.

CSU adopts budget

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:23:51 -0800

Calling it a "recover and reinvest" budget, the California State University Board of Trustees Finance Committee today adopted a budget for 2010-2011 calling for an $884 million increase in state support from the legislature and Governor.

The budget would increase the system's General Fund support from its current reduced level of $2.3 billion to $3.2 billion. The full board is expected to adopt the budget proposal tomorrow.