Our district has embarked on an ambitious, proactive strategy for College and Career Readiness (C&CR) to ensure that each of our nearly 11,000 students is prepared to excel in college and beyond. That's great news for you as business leaders. It means that the future workforce will be prepared to propel our area's thriving organizations onward and upward.
C&CR will ensure that choices abound for each crop of graduating seniors, whether they plan to attend a four-year university, two-year community college or specialized school; proceed directly to a job; or create an innovative start-up in their garage. It's the road to academic rigor, based on today's reality that the skills necessary to succeed in college and in business are the same.
Making sure students participate in the challenging curriculum of high school courses (known as A-G requirements) needed for admittance to UC and CSU campuses gives them the options to pursue their dreams. To reach this goal, the effort must begin in kindergarten and requires support at each grade level.
C&CR is spearheaded by Suzanne O'Connell, CUSD's Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services. It involves all district stakeholders, including some Chamber members, as well as representatives of our board, teachers, counselors, students, parents, area colleges and the public.
Process moves forward with energy, purpose and focus
In March 2009, the board adopted a stated goal of steadily increasing the percentage of high school graduates completing A-G requirements. An audit was performed by a consultant to assess C&CR barriers, challenges and opportunities. Focus groups and a community conversation helped identify the directions in which the district should proceed. Currently, a steering committee of diverse stakeholders is crafting a Blueprint for Success, slated to be presented to the board in early 2011.
The Blueprint will make A-G requirements the eventual default curriculum by focusing on three priority areas: 1) curriculum; 2) professional development; and 3) student intervention and support.
Choice happens … but not by chance
The C&CR process is complex, but the premise is straightforward: college prep equals life prep. By giving our students the tools they need to succeed in college, we give them the tools they need to succeed in the career of their choosing, and thus in life.
It's that simple and that vital, to each of our students and ultimately to each of us if America is to retain its leadership position in the global economy.
To keep up to date on district doings, follow Dr. Roach at www.twitter.com/SuptRoach.
C&CR will ensure that choices abound for each crop of graduating seniors, whether they plan to attend a four-year university, two-year community college or specialized school; proceed directly to a job; or create an innovative start-up in their garage. It's the road to academic rigor, based on today's reality that the skills necessary to succeed in college and in business are the same.
Making sure students participate in the challenging curriculum of high school courses (known as A-G requirements) needed for admittance to UC and CSU campuses gives them the options to pursue their dreams. To reach this goal, the effort must begin in kindergarten and requires support at each grade level.
C&CR is spearheaded by Suzanne O'Connell, CUSD's Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services. It involves all district stakeholders, including some Chamber members, as well as representatives of our board, teachers, counselors, students, parents, area colleges and the public.
Process moves forward with energy, purpose and focus
In March 2009, the board adopted a stated goal of steadily increasing the percentage of high school graduates completing A-G requirements. An audit was performed by a consultant to assess C&CR barriers, challenges and opportunities. Focus groups and a community conversation helped identify the directions in which the district should proceed. Currently, a steering committee of diverse stakeholders is crafting a Blueprint for Success, slated to be presented to the board in early 2011.
The Blueprint will make A-G requirements the eventual default curriculum by focusing on three priority areas: 1) curriculum; 2) professional development; and 3) student intervention and support.
Choice happens … but not by chance
The C&CR process is complex, but the premise is straightforward: college prep equals life prep. By giving our students the tools they need to succeed in college, we give them the tools they need to succeed in the career of their choosing, and thus in life.
It's that simple and that vital, to each of our students and ultimately to each of us if America is to retain its leadership position in the global economy.
To keep up to date on district doings, follow Dr. Roach at www.twitter.com/SuptRoach.