O’Connell commits to ‘meet the challenges of education reform’;outlines goals during inaugural celebration at UCLA

Surrounded by city officials, education experts and students at an inaugural celebration at UCLA, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell unveiled his administration’s education priorities, saying the success of the state’s education system depends on critical reforms and the accommodation of the ambitious student achievement goals in the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

“My education agenda is simple, but also ambitious,� O’Connell said. “I want to give every child in California the best opportunity to obtain world-class education, attend schools with first-rate facilities and be taught by qualified, well-supported teachers.�

In his speech, O’ Connell said he will work to streamline the state’s testing system, champion the passage of statewide and local school bonds, and continue to reduce class sizes.

“Achieving these goals is critical to the education of every child in the state public school system,� O’Connell said.

During his visit to UCLA, O’Connell, a former legislator who on Nov. 5 was elected the state’s 26th superintendent of public instruction, talked to educators about how his administration can assist in improving the education of school children in the Los Angeles area.

“The real work of my department happens not in my office but in the schools throughout our state,� O’Connell said. “Working together, there is nothing we can’t do to catapult California, once again, to the head of the class of education excellence.�

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Roy Romer was among those who praised O’Connell on his plans to improve California’s education system.

“I’m pleased that Superintendent O’Connell is prioritizing education spending and increasing funds for school construction,� Romer said. “I am committed to working closely with the state superintendent as we seek solutions to reform higher education, improve K-12
schooling and further our common goal of ensuring that every student has access to an education that meets world-class standards.�

O’Connell urged participants and key stakeholders to work together to ensure that all students get an equitable opportunity to succeed in a safe, healthy learning environment.

“This will be a tough year for the state, perhaps the toughest in recent memory on education,� O’Connell said. “In such a period of retrenchment we need to concentrate on the core department principles and functions and execute them fairly, consistently and well.�

“UCLA recognizes the importance of providing elementary and secondary students with a public education system that equips them with the knowledge and skills to excel in college,� said Daniel Neuman, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor. “We are honored to participate in this discussion on education and the university looks forward to collaborating with Superintendent O’Connell in the coming years.�