From the desk of
Charles Weis, Ph.D. County Superintendent of Schools
There's nothing like a bag of goodies to bring a big smile to a child's face. And if the goodies are markers, rulers and other school supplies, so much the better.
Recently I had the pleasure of speaking at the kickoff of an effort to provide school supplies to low-income students in the Bay Area. The event, held at Anne Darling Elementary School in San Jose, was organized by a group called K to College.
This nonprofit was founded in 2008 by a few UC Berkeley students and alumni. Since then, the organization has rapidly grown, and by now has distributed school supplies to thousands of low-income students in our community.
Hundreds of students at Anne Darling -- including those in the COE's special education facility on that campus -- received tote bags with a treasure of supplies that day.
K to College is a great example of a grassroots organization that has parlayed enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and a collaborative philosophy into a highly effective initiative. The result benefits not only the students, but also the entire community.
In my brief talk at the event, I saluted Benito Delgado-Olson, executive director and cofounder of K to College, for his efforts. He has managed to improve the lot of thousands of low-income students, and in the bargain helped to level the playing field so that all students in all schools have the opportunity to succeed.
The sooner we can make that field level, the better off we all will be.
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Workshop helps parents understand math Common Core Standards
Attendees of an upcoming COE event will learn how Common Core State Standards for mathematics will
affect students' K-12 learning experiences.
The March 31 workshop will help parents understand how children will be assessed in math, as well as strategies and activities that support student mathematics learning.
The free event runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. at the COE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose.
It is sponsored by the COE, Silicon Valley Mathematics
Initiative, San Jose State University and the Region V Algebra Forum Team.
Register online by March 26. Contact Theresa Martinez for more information at (408) 453-4322.
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Links of Interest
Who We Are
Watch a video that details the essential services that the COE provides students, teachers, districts and the community of Santa Clara County.
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Dr. Xavier De La Torre named new Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools |
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Dr. Xavier De La Torre, a former California educator who is now the superintendent of the Socorro Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, has been selected as the next Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools.
The Santa Clara County Board of Education will officially approve the appointment next month.
Dr. De La Torre is completing his third year as superintendent in Socorro, which in both 2009 and 2010 was named a finalist for the Broad Prize for Urban Education.
Previously, he worked as chief human resources officer and labor negotiator in both the Elk Grove Unified and Fairfield-Suisun Unified School Districts in California.
Dr. De La Torre also has been a principal, teacher, and baseball and football coach in several California school districts. He earned a B.A. from California State University-Chico; an M.A. from the University of San Francisco; and his Ed.D. from UC-Davis.
He will succeed Dr. Charles Weis, who will retire June 30. |
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SJ2020 Annual Report reveals progress, challenges in closing the achievement gap |
 About 150 educators, community members and business leaders gathered at the Santa Clara County Office of Education last month to hear the latest update on efforts to close the achievement gap -- and also laud 22 schools that have made noteworthy progress.
"Closing the achievement gap is all about doing it," Dr. Weis told the crowd Jan. 19. "There is nothing stopping us -- but every day, we have to be mindful of our goal, and renew our effort to get there."
 The 2012 SJ2020 Annual Report summarized progress in SJ2020, a collaborative initiative between the COE and the City of San Jose launched in fall 2009 to close the achievement gap in the area within the decade.
Overall, the report showed mixed results: Within the City of San Jose, the SJ2020 annual target for reducing the gap was achieved in third-, fifth- and eighth-grade English-Language Arts. In other areas, the gap either did not change appreciably or it increased. Similar results were found for the county as a whole.
 Yet many schools are showing improvement countywide. Dr. Weis and San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed presented 22 schools with "2020 Vision" Awards for their progress in closing the achievement gap. These schools shared the signature practices that helped them succeed.
Six recipients of the state's Title I Academic Achievements Award program were also recognized that day.
Check out an online photo gallery of the event, as well as video of Dr. Weis and Mayor Reed's presentations.
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"Head of the Class" reveals Gilroy Unified's
secrets to academic success |
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 Ninety-minute algebra classes and intense teacher collaboration helped the Gilroy Unified School District narrow its achievement gap, the district's superintendent tells Dr. Weis in the latest episode of "Head of the Class."
Watch the full video here.
In the regular online news program, Dr. Deborah A. Flores revealed the district's signature practices that improved student success in third-grade English-Language Arts and eighth-grade algebra scores -- and earn GUSD four 2020 Vision Awards in January.
"Head of the Class" showcases programs and initiatives at the COE and in school districts throughout the county.
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| Board honors employee, OKs purchase orders |
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Here's a summary of the Santa Clara County Board of Education's actions at its Feb. 1, 15 and 22 meetings:
- Recognized Juan Ramires as the February Employee of the Month
- Approved a series of purchase orders for construction related to the COE's special education program at Daniel Lairon School
- Made appointments to oversight boards of redevelopment agency successor agencies
The Board of Education is the elected governing body of the COE. Its seven members serve four-year terms and are elected by different regions of the county. Learn more about the members, and view their meeting schedule, agendas and minutes. |
Recruitment event connects job-seeking
teachers, districts |
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 Job-hunting teachers will mix with representatives from numerous area school districts next month at the annual Santa Clara County Teacher Recruitment Fair.
Hosted by the COE, the March 24 fair will introduce credentialed teachers to potential employers from districts across the county.
To participate in the free event, applicants must have a preliminary credential or clear credential, or have worked as an intern for one year.
Candidates who preregister online can enter the fair at 9 a.m. Those who do not preregister will enter at 11 a.m., and must show their teaching credentials to gain admittance. The event runs until 2 p.m. at the COE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose.
Check out the fair's Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates. For more information, call Karen Bacica at (408) 453-6840.
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Volunteer readers needed on Read Across
America Day, March 2 |
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 Help promote children's love of reading by volunteering in a classroom as a guest reader on March 2, national Read Across America Day.
The COE seeks volunteers to read to children served by the Head Start program in Santa Clara and San Benito counties.
Story times run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and volunteers need only commit 15 minutes of their time. Books are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring along a favorite story to share.
For more information, or to reserve a classroom time, contact Laura Keeley-Saldana at (408) 453-6952.
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Since 1852, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has provided vital services and resources to the county's 31 K-12 public school districts and more than 250,000 students. The COE strives to provide advocacy and leadership on education issues, student programs that are models of excellence, and indispensable services to schools and community partners. The COE takes pride in being a premier employer and a champion for children, schools, and community. |
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