This morning I had the opportunity to attend a breakfast reception for a Midterm Report by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson in Concord.
Over the last two years, he explained how California has begun to focus on education and funding. He shared how Prop 30 was a wake up call and investing in future of California. Prop 39 passed, so it’s a billion dollars to better fund operations and build smarter schools.
“We need our schools wired for global economy and digital learning to having the science equipment,” said Torlakson. “We had 89 ballot measures passed representing California’s taxing themselves $15 billion to build a better future”.
Torlakson discussed how California needs a new way of thinking.
“Is life a multiple choice test? We need critical thinking and problem solving. We need students to solve problems and teamwork, communication skills. These are 21st century skills,” explained Torlakson.
He explained employees are looking for students with real life experience and how the state needs programs with hands on training which Integrates science and math to jobs and career pathways. He explains how it shows students the importance of what they learn.
He mentioned Antioch High School and how they were “totally engaged” with what they were doing they didn’t notice the tour as they were doing hands-on learning. He mentioned Stockton and the construction academy. Highlighted how these types of programs created 95%+ graduation rate of students in these types of programs.
“One last thing, technology is part of the answer but nothing will ever replace the dynamic teacher, the caring teacher, the knowledgeable teacher, we need that. But technology can be a big help in crowded classrooms and connecting to students,” said Torlakson.
Here are some of the photographs from this morning’s event.
Those in attendance included:
- State Senator Mark DeSaulnier
- Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla
- Antioch Mayor Wade Harper
- Concord Councilman Ron Leone
- Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti
For those left off, I do apologize.
Here are some of the photographs from this morning’s event.
4 comments
I could not make it but wanted to, excellent recap of the event and nice photos of my friends. Glad I was forwarded this link.
I am glad schools are getting better and this idea of rea-world learning is a priority, but throwing money at them is not the answer.
Where was the substance? This was no midyear update!
[…] https://eastcountytoday.net/tom-torlakson-provides-state-schools-midterm-report/ […]
Comments are closed.