Education Remains High Priority for Governor Davis

Calling for a bi-partisan effort to improve California's public schools, Gov. Gray Davis in his state-of-the-state address Monday, outlined an ambitious plan to train every principal and every teacher who teaches math or reading.

The proposal calls for 40 hours of intensive training for 200,000 teachers and 80 hours of critical follow-up support. Principals and vice-principals, 15,000 in all, will attend training programs approved by the University of California.

"Over the last two years, we have invested in education like our future depends on it. Because it does," the Governor said.

Citing Melvin Avenue Elementary in Los Angeles as an example, Governor Davis said that investments in education and reforms to hold schools accountable for achievement are paying off in higher test scores, improved student confidence, increased public support and overall better results.

Responding to feedback from educators who say that, for all the new investments, they need more time to teach, Davis announced his plan to extend the school year in California middle schools by 30 days, adding up to the longest school year offered to students in the nation.

Governor Davis also highlighted the need for all California students to master algebra. Last year the governor signed legislation that requires every student to take algebra before they graduate from high school. Algebra will also be included on California's new High School Exit Exam. Earlier Monday, the Governor announced a $30 million Algebra Initiative so schools can attract and retain high quality algebra teachers.

In addition, the Governor announced that he will appoint a task force led by Secretary for Education Kerry Mazzoni and the chairman of the California Children and Families Commission, Rob Reiner, to explore a comprehensive School Readiness Initiative.

	Related Links Read the full text of Gov. Gray Davis' state-of-the-state address Quality Counts 2001: A Better Balance, Standards, Tests, and the Tools to Succeed

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