From the desk of
Charles Weis, Ph.D. County Superintendent of Schools
As my days as County Superintendent wind down, I find myself becoming increasingly reflective about the accomplishments of the Santa Clara County Office of Education over the past four years.
Recently, I sent a note to COE staff, thanking them for their dedicated service and congratulating them on their many successes in that span of time. It turned out to be a very long note. What follows is a very condensed version (the entire note can be seen here).
My gratitude goes to the COE staff for making great strides in establishing a culture of servant leadership. This is evidenced by the excellent results of our feedback from school districts in the county, which have rated our services as increasingly "indispensable" over the past two years.
Speaking of our county's districts: Thanks to the superintendents, administrators and school board members with whom we have worked hand-in-hand on so many issues that affect all of us in education here in Santa Clara County. I have found the education community here to be extremely knowledgeable, energetic and collaborative.
My deepest thanks go to the Cabinet at the COE: Chief Schools Officer Linda Aceves, Chief Technology Officer Dr. Kelly Calhoun, Chief Academic Officer Edith Mourtos and Chief Business Officer Ken Shelton. Their dedicated labor helped to transform the COE into an organization where the byword is "service."
I want to especially thank Deputy Superintendent Dr. Cary Dritz, who at considerable personal sacrifice left his home in Southern California to help me implement significant changes at the COE. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the office and served as chief facilitator and convener for problem-solving on a wide spectrum of issues.
I know that the County Office of Education will continue to grow and thrive and do great things. I'll be thinking of you and rooting for you. And I will always take great pride in the time I was privileged to spend here with you.
 
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Workshop assists TK teachers
An upcoming workshop at the COE will offer professional development to transitional kindergarten (TK) teachers.
Among other topics, participants will learn to create developmentally appropriate curriculum, how to use kindergarten Common Core State Standards, and how to plan strategies for English learners.
The event runs July 23 to 26 at the COE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose. Registration is $375 a person, and participants will receive books, materials and resources valued at $200.
Register online by July 9. For more information, contact Judy Kritikos at (408) 453-3606.
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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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County students excel on state tests
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 Results of two batches of state test scores released this month show that Santa Clara County students are outperforming their statewide counterparts. For the second year in a row, the top three performing schools in the state in the Base Academic Performance Index are from Santa Clara County, results show. The results also show a trend of higher performance among a broad range of schools in the county: - 62 percent of county schools met or exceeded the statewide performance target of 800 compared with 45 percent statewide;
- almost half of county schools are in the top three deciles, compared with 29 percent statewide;
- the county had 25 "10-10" schools -- schools in the top 10 percent statewide that are also in the top 10 percent compared with similar schools
Check out a full COE analysis of the results.
Meanwhile, an analysis of the California English Language Development Test results show that county English Learners outperformed their statewide counterparts while also boosting their performance from last year. Further, 43 percent of county students who took the test met the state's criterion for English proficiency, compared with 39 percent statewide. The number of county students who achieved the advanced level was 11 percent, compared with 9 percent statewide. Review a full analysis of the results. |
| News show covers 'State of Education' |
 Dr. Weis reviews important statistics about public education in Santa Clara County, and offers updates on COE initiatives in the latest episode of "Head of the Class."
Watch the full video here.
In his final episode as host of the online news program, Dr. Weis details information found in the annual publication The State of Education.
"Head of the Class" showcases programs and initiatives at the COE and in school districts throughout the county.
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COE breaks ground on new Special Ed facility
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Work will begin this summer on a new facility that will serve about 70 students enrolled in the COE's Special Education program, and also house an early learning component.
Once completed, the Daniel Lairon School county annex in the Franklin-McKinley School District will boast eight classrooms and about 15,500 square feet.
COE and Franklin-McKinley staff gathered with contractors this month at the San Jose campus to celebrate the project.
"This new annex will be built to meet students' needs and help teachers ensure their academic success," Dr. Weis told the crowd. "Providing our students with first-rate facilities is a top priority for the County Office of Education."
The project's $7.2 million price tag is covered by state funds under Proposition 55. Construction is expected to last about a year.
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| County schools honored at regional event |
Thirty-four schools from Santa Clara County received special recognition late last month at the a regional school recognition event.
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Representatives from Evergreen Elementary School accept their Distinguished School award
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Hosted by Dr. Weis, the California Schools Recognition program event honored schools from seven Bay Area counties that received designations as California Distinguished Schools, Title I Academic Achievement Award winners, an d National Blue Ribbon Schools.
"These special titles are evidence that your schools are increasing student achievement, that you are working to narrow the achievement gap, that you are all excelling at your jobs," Dr. Weis told the crowd gathered at the Marriott Santa Clara hotel on May 30.
Santa Clara County boasted 31 "distinguished" schools, two of which were among the four Title I schools, as well as one Blue Ribbon School.
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| Board honors employee, adopts budget |
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Here's a summary of other actions taken by the Santa Clara County Board of Education at its June 6 and 20 meetings:
- Recognized Alyssa Lynch as the June Employee of the Month
- Received an update on redevelopment agency successor agency oversight board activities
- Adopted the COE's 2012-13 budget
- Recognized COE substitutes for their contributions to the office
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.
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AVID graduates earn scholarships, resources
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Ten graduates of the Region V AVID program have received scholarships to help them realize their college dreams.
Coordinated at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Region V AVID -- which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination -- provides rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, tutoring and counseling to promising middle and high school students who might not otherwise consider attending college.
Seven AVID grads received $250 to help purchase books and materials. These students met several requirements and also wrote essays explaining the role AVID played in their accomplishments.
Three graduates also received $20,000 scholarships from the
Dell Scholars Program to complete their education over a six-year period, as well as technology, networking and mentoring resources.
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| County survey studies quality-of-life issues |
Santa Clara County wants to know more about its residents, including their challenges and concerns.
The Santa Clara County 2012 Quality of Life Survey covers issues such as access to health care, neighborhood conditions, transportation and civic engagement.
All county residents aged 18 and older are encouraged to take the online survey and forward it to friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. The survey is available in four languages and answers are anonymous and confidential.
Results will be used to inform the first Health Element for the Santa Clara County General Plan and the work of community groups countywide.
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 A collaboration with the COE has contributed to the city of San Jose being recognized by a national campaign for its efforts to address challenges that keep many low-income students from learning to read. The city was named a Community Solutions PaceSetter by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a collaborative effort to ensure that low-income children nationwide succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, career and active citizenship. "The Santa Clara County Office of Education is proud to partner with San Jose in early learning efforts," Dr. Weis said. "Early learning is an essential element of a learning continuum that starts at birth. High-quality early learning enables children to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and later in life." |
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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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