California’s Education Reform: A Call for Visionary Leadership
California’s recent performance on the National Assessment for Educational Progress has left many disappointed, with stagnant scores across the board. While much of the news coverage has focused on the challenges of post-Covid recovery nationwide, there is a silver lining that deserves attention. Some states, such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, have shown remarkable growth in student learning, thanks to visionary state leadership and strategic use of federal Covid recovery funds.
States Leading the Way in Educational Improvement
A recent analysis by the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University has shed light on the key factors driving academic improvement in certain states. These states have set a clear vision for enhancing curriculum and instruction in schools, provided schools with necessary tools and resources, and diligently tracked outcomes to drive continuous improvement. For example, in Louisiana, the state Department of Education established high standards for curriculum and instruction, identified effective curricula, incentivized their adoption by districts, and supported districts in implementing these curricula successfully. This collaborative effort, which included input from teacher leaders, has resulted in Louisiana being one of only two states where student scores have surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
A Call to Action for California
On the other hand, California has yet to establish a cohesive vision for curriculum and instruction. While the state has developed numerous frameworks, the impact of these documents on classroom practices remains unclear. Despite receiving billions of dollars in Covid recovery funds, California has not pursued a specific instructional improvement strategy or systematically tracked outcomes from various spending initiatives. The lack of visionary state leadership and a failure to learn from successful models in other states have hindered California’s progress in educational reform.
The states that have successfully improved student learning share common traits: a committed state education leader who prioritizes long-term educational goals and a willingness to learn from successful strategies implemented elsewhere. California currently lacks both, but there is hope for change. By uniting parents, teachers, and advocacy groups to influence current leadership or seek out new leaders who prioritize educational reform, California can pave the way for meaningful change in its education system.
California, known for its leadership in various fields, has the potential to become a trailblazer in education as well. As statewide elections loom on the horizon, there is an opportunity for more purposeful state leadership to emerge, potentially leading to improved outcomes for California’s students in the future.
Jennie Herriot-Hatfield, a K-12 education consultant, former elementary school teacher, and public school parent in San Francisco, emphasizes the importance of visionary leadership and collaborative efforts in driving educational reform. Her insights underscore the critical need for California to prioritize curriculum and instruction to ensure better outcomes for students in the state.
The opinions expressed by Jennie Herriot-Hatfield highlight the urgent need for California to reevaluate its approach to educational reform and embrace visionary leadership to drive meaningful change. As California looks to the future, it is essential for stakeholders to come together and advocate for a more strategic and comprehensive approach to improving the state’s education system. By learning from successful models in other states and prioritizing the long-term success of students, California can position itself as a leader in educational excellence.
