Educational Governance & Accountability: Taking the Next Step

Report #191, May 2008
Educational Governance & Accountability: Taking the Next Step

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2008

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Calls on State to Create New Education Accountability System

The Little Hoover Commission on Thursday urged the governor and the Legislature to clear the way for a next-generation accountability system that recognizes that the majority of California schools will be identified as failing under the federal No Child Left Behind Act within two years.

In its report, Educational Governance & Accountability: Taking the Next Step, the Commission recommends combining details of the state Public Schools Accountability Act and the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to create a uniform and mandatory accountability system that sets a clear expectation for all students at all schools to reach proficiency or better on California’s academic content standards. The Commission recommends creating a simpler, more transparent accountability system that goes beyond identifying schools for punishment and instead focuses on their continuous appraisal and improvement to produce college-ready students and highly educated workers for the state’s world-class economy.

The Commission found that the state’s current intervention approach to lowperforming schools has cost $1.4 billion without meaningful results. The Commission found that the state could more efficiently and effectively use that money, together with redirected funding from categorical programs, by incentivizing districts to create their own turnaround strategies and rewarding them for improving student achievement.

The Commission also found that an increase in flexibility must be linked to an increase in accountability. The Commission recommends formalizing a support and oversight network from the state to the local level that includes county offices of education and, for schools unwilling or unable to improve, an academic strike team modeled after the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT).

In the study, the Commission found that the tension of implementing the No Child Left Behind Act on top of our own state system and the specter of sanctions has distracted the education community.

“California deserves credit for pioneering an educational accountability program in the 1990s, but the Public Schools Accountability Act falls short of providing true accountability to all schools,” Commission Chairman Dan Hancock said. “Many are hoping NCLB goes away when President George W. Bush leaves office, but accountability is here to stay. The turf war over accountability needs to end.”

In Educational Governance & Accountability: Taking the Next Step, the Commission makes the following recommendations:

  • Establish a comprehensive accountability system that combines state and federal principles. The State Board of Education must align the metrics of the state and federal accountability systems to the highest common denominators, including proficiency goals, timelines and participation. The state must establish clear-cut and specific expectations that all students can reach a minimum of grade-level proficiency on California’s academic content standards.
     
  • Implement a new, transparent rating system for schools that aligns interventions and rewards. The state must abandon the High Priority Schools Grant Program and the Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program. To better communicate a school’s level of performance to educators and parents, the State Board of Education must adopt a simple overall rating for schools that correspond to a new “Right Track” education index based on individual student performance, schoolwide growth and other academic and environmental measures. Using the new education index, the California Department of Education and State Board must differentiate schools and districts with appropriate levels of interventions and rewards.
     
  • Give districts and schools flexibility to ensure deep implementation of standards and instructional improvement. The Legislature must coordinate and combine state categorical programs that target factors that drive student achievement, such as academic preparation, language acquisition, parental involvement and school safety. The state should redistribute this money through block grants tied to high-needs student populations. Districts should be rewarded with additional money from the pooled categorical funds when they increase their performance on the new “Right Track” index.
     
  • Formalize and enforce the chain of accountability. The governor must use his power to appoint members of the State Board of Education to focus that body as the policy lever and independent enforcer of the accountability system, serving as a true check on the California Department of Education. The state superintendent of public instruction, as the leader of the education department and spokesperson for student achievement, must use the existing arsenal of intervention tools and the power of the office to catalyze a dramatic turnaround for underperforming schools. As part of the existing budget approval process, county offices must be given the authority to make their approval of local district budgets contingent upon adopting an appropriate blueprint for districtwide improvement strategies.
     
  • Champion the use of data to drive instructional improvement and policy and financial decisions. The Legislature needs to closely monitor the progress of student and teacher data systems and work with the administration to ensure the systems, once built, are as robust and accessible as envisioned and needed. The state must return fine-grained data to teachers, schools, districts and parents on timelines and in formats that support efforts to improve educational outcomes.
     

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan and independent state agency charged with recommending ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are sent to the governor and the Legislature. To obtain a copy of the report, Educational Governance & Accountability: Taking the Next Step, contact the Commission or visit its Web site: www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission reviewed California’s educational governance and accountability system. The Commission assessed the education structure in Sacramento and took a deeper look at how the state and local education bureaucracy implements, evaluates and enforces the accountability system. The study explored how the actions of the California Department of Education, county offices of education and local school districts help improve student achievement. The study also reviewed the implementation of standards, assessment programs, interventions and data-analysis systems. The Commission made recommendations on how to fix gaps in the system and reduce overlap from Sacramento down to the district and school level to improve student outcomes.


Previous Studies

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission urges the state to create a new education accountability system that recognizes that the majority of California schools will be identified as failing under the federal No Child Left Behind Act within two years.

During its review, the Commission found that the state’s current intervention approach to lowperforming schools has cost $1.4 billion without meaningful results. The Commission found that the state could more efficiently and effectively use that money, together with redirected funding from categorical programs, by incentivizing districts to create their own turnaround strategies and rewarding them for improving student achievement. The Commission also found that an increase in flexibility must be linked to an increase in accountability.

The Commission recommends recommends combining details of the state Public Schools Accountability Act and the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to create a uniform and mandatory accountability system that sets a clear expectation for all students at all schools to reach proficiency or better on California’s academic content standards. The Commission also recommends creating a simpler, more transparent accountability system that goes beyond identifying schools for punishment and instead focuses on their continuous appraisal and improvement to produce college-ready students and highly educated workers for the state’s world-class economy.

Print Agenda
  • February 27
    2008
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level,
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 15, 2008

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meeting and site visit related to educational governance and accountability in California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

  • January 24
    2008
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
    Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    National Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

    1. Caitlin Scott, Consultant, Center on Education Policy (Written Testimony)
       

    State Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

    1. Gavin Payne, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Written Testimony)
       

    Proposals for Local and Regional Accountability Oversight 

    1. Assemblymember Juan Arambula, 31st Assembly District (Written Testimony)


    Parent Perspectives on Accountability 

    1. Cecelia Mansfield, Legislative Advocate, California State PTA (Written Testimony)

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 10, 2008

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, January 24, 2008, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the third of three planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of various perceptions of accountability implementation in California, including national and state perspectives on California’s execution of federal and state measures. Witnesses also will discuss proposals for local and regional accountability oversight and the role of parents in the accountability system. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    During its business meeting, the Commission will hear from the Department of Personnel Administration and the State Personnel Board on the Human Resources Modernization Project and their response to the Commission’s recommendations from its 2005 report, “Serving the Public: Managing the State Workforce to Improve Outcomes.”

    Following the hearing, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings and advisory committee meetings related to alcohol and drug treatment programs in California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 17, 2008.

  • October 25
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
    Thursday, October 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Oversight: Sanctions and Interventions 

    1. Jenifer J. Harr, Senior Research Analyst, American Institutes for Research (Written Testimony)
       

    Organizational Capacity: Defining the Appropriate Role for Each Layer of Governance 

    1. Wendy Harris, Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement, California Department of Education (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presentation)
       
    2. Susan K. Burr, Executive Director, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Richard Bray, Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District (Written Testimony)
       

    State Board of Education: Enforcing the Accountability System 

    1. Gary Borden, Deputy Executive Director, California State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


    Data Analysis and Evaluation 

    1. Keric Ashley, Director, Data Management Division, California Department of Education (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Matt Aguilera, Principal Program Budget Analyst, California Department of Finance (Written Testimony, Attachment)

    Lessons from Successful Schools 

    1. Daniel Chacon, Principal, and Willetta Fritz, Teacher, English Department Chairperson and English/Language Arts Curriculum Support Provider, Sanger High School (Written Testimony)
       
    2. James S. Lanich, President, California Business for Education Excellence (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

    The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

  • October 24
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    2:00 - 5:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 340, 900 N S
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

    The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

  • October 24
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    11:00 a.m.
    Site Visit
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

    The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

  • September 27
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
    Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Overview of Getting Down to Facts 

    1. Susanna Loeb, Director, Institute for Research on Education Policy & Practice, Stanford University, and Coordinator, Getting Down to Facts Project (Written Testimony)
       

    Educational Governance 

    1. Dominic J. Brewer, Professor of Education, Economics and Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presenation)
       

    Public School Finance 

    1. Thomas Timar, Professor of Education, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jon Sonstelie, Visiting Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)


    Obstacles to Reform 

    1. Delaine Eastin, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction and former Assemblymember (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Charles A. Ratliff, former Director, Office of the Education Master Plan (Written Testimony)

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 13, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, September 27, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the first of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance system. The Commission is reviewing educational governance to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of current research, as well as current attitudes toward reform. Witnesses will discuss the Getting Down to Facts project, the infrastructure of educational governance and public school finance in California and obstacles to change. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss the next steps for the Commission’s alcohol and drug treatment study.

    The Career Technical Education Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meetings and site visits related to career technical education in California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 20, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

February 27
2008
Educational Governance and Accountability
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2008

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meeting and site visit related to educational governance and accountability in California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

January 24
2008
Educational Governance and Accountability
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

National Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

  1. Caitlin Scott, Consultant, Center on Education Policy (Written Testimony)
     

State Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

  1. Gavin Payne, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Written Testimony)
     

Proposals for Local and Regional Accountability Oversight 

  1. Assemblymember Juan Arambula, 31st Assembly District (Written Testimony)


Parent Perspectives on Accountability 

  1. Cecelia Mansfield, Legislative Advocate, California State PTA (Written Testimony)

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2008

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, January 24, 2008, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the third of three planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of various perceptions of accountability implementation in California, including national and state perspectives on California’s execution of federal and state measures. Witnesses also will discuss proposals for local and regional accountability oversight and the role of parents in the accountability system. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

During its business meeting, the Commission will hear from the Department of Personnel Administration and the State Personnel Board on the Human Resources Modernization Project and their response to the Commission’s recommendations from its 2005 report, “Serving the Public: Managing the State Workforce to Improve Outcomes.”

Following the hearing, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings and advisory committee meetings related to alcohol and drug treatment programs in California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 17, 2008.

October 25
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
Thursday, October 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Oversight: Sanctions and Interventions 

  1. Jenifer J. Harr, Senior Research Analyst, American Institutes for Research (Written Testimony)
     

Organizational Capacity: Defining the Appropriate Role for Each Layer of Governance 

  1. Wendy Harris, Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement, California Department of Education (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presentation)
     
  2. Susan K. Burr, Executive Director, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Richard Bray, Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District (Written Testimony)
     

State Board of Education: Enforcing the Accountability System 

  1. Gary Borden, Deputy Executive Director, California State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


Data Analysis and Evaluation 

  1. Keric Ashley, Director, Data Management Division, California Department of Education (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Matt Aguilera, Principal Program Budget Analyst, California Department of Finance (Written Testimony, Attachment)

Lessons from Successful Schools 

  1. Daniel Chacon, Principal, and Willetta Fritz, Teacher, English Department Chairperson and English/Language Arts Curriculum Support Provider, Sanger High School (Written Testimony)
     
  2. James S. Lanich, President, California Business for Education Excellence (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

October 24
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
2:00 - 5:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

October 24
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy, 2950 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA
Site Visit
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

September 27
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Overview of Getting Down to Facts 

  1. Susanna Loeb, Director, Institute for Research on Education Policy & Practice, Stanford University, and Coordinator, Getting Down to Facts Project (Written Testimony)
     

Educational Governance 

  1. Dominic J. Brewer, Professor of Education, Economics and Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presenation)
     

Public School Finance 

  1. Thomas Timar, Professor of Education, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jon Sonstelie, Visiting Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)


Obstacles to Reform 

  1. Delaine Eastin, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction and former Assemblymember (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Charles A. Ratliff, former Director, Office of the Education Master Plan (Written Testimony)

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, September 27, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the first of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance system. The Commission is reviewing educational governance to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of current research, as well as current attitudes toward reform. Witnesses will discuss the Getting Down to Facts project, the infrastructure of educational governance and public school finance in California and obstacles to change. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss the next steps for the Commission’s alcohol and drug treatment study.

The Career Technical Education Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meetings and site visits related to career technical education in California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 20, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

Print Agenda
  • February 27
    2008
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level,
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 15, 2008

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meeting and site visit related to educational governance and accountability in California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

  • January 24
    2008
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
    Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    National Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

    1. Caitlin Scott, Consultant, Center on Education Policy (Written Testimony)
       

    State Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

    1. Gavin Payne, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Written Testimony)
       

    Proposals for Local and Regional Accountability Oversight 

    1. Assemblymember Juan Arambula, 31st Assembly District (Written Testimony)


    Parent Perspectives on Accountability 

    1. Cecelia Mansfield, Legislative Advocate, California State PTA (Written Testimony)

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 10, 2008

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, January 24, 2008, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the third of three planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of various perceptions of accountability implementation in California, including national and state perspectives on California’s execution of federal and state measures. Witnesses also will discuss proposals for local and regional accountability oversight and the role of parents in the accountability system. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    During its business meeting, the Commission will hear from the Department of Personnel Administration and the State Personnel Board on the Human Resources Modernization Project and their response to the Commission’s recommendations from its 2005 report, “Serving the Public: Managing the State Workforce to Improve Outcomes.”

    Following the hearing, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings and advisory committee meetings related to alcohol and drug treatment programs in California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 17, 2008.

  • October 25
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
    Thursday, October 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Oversight: Sanctions and Interventions 

    1. Jenifer J. Harr, Senior Research Analyst, American Institutes for Research (Written Testimony)
       

    Organizational Capacity: Defining the Appropriate Role for Each Layer of Governance 

    1. Wendy Harris, Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement, California Department of Education (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presentation)
       
    2. Susan K. Burr, Executive Director, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Richard Bray, Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District (Written Testimony)
       

    State Board of Education: Enforcing the Accountability System 

    1. Gary Borden, Deputy Executive Director, California State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


    Data Analysis and Evaluation 

    1. Keric Ashley, Director, Data Management Division, California Department of Education (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Matt Aguilera, Principal Program Budget Analyst, California Department of Finance (Written Testimony, Attachment)

    Lessons from Successful Schools 

    1. Daniel Chacon, Principal, and Willetta Fritz, Teacher, English Department Chairperson and English/Language Arts Curriculum Support Provider, Sanger High School (Written Testimony)
       
    2. James S. Lanich, President, California Business for Education Excellence (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

    The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

  • October 24
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    2:00 - 5:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 340, 900 N S
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

    The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

  • October 24
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    11:00 a.m.
    Site Visit
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

    The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

  • September 27
    2007
    Educational Governance and Accountability
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
    Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Overview of Getting Down to Facts 

    1. Susanna Loeb, Director, Institute for Research on Education Policy & Practice, Stanford University, and Coordinator, Getting Down to Facts Project (Written Testimony)
       

    Educational Governance 

    1. Dominic J. Brewer, Professor of Education, Economics and Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presenation)
       

    Public School Finance 

    1. Thomas Timar, Professor of Education, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jon Sonstelie, Visiting Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)


    Obstacles to Reform 

    1. Delaine Eastin, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction and former Assemblymember (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Charles A. Ratliff, former Director, Office of the Education Master Plan (Written Testimony)

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 13, 2007

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, September 27, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    This is the first of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance system. The Commission is reviewing educational governance to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of current research, as well as current attitudes toward reform. Witnesses will discuss the Getting Down to Facts project, the infrastructure of educational governance and public school finance in California and obstacles to change. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    In addition, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss the next steps for the Commission’s alcohol and drug treatment study.

    The Career Technical Education Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meetings and site visits related to career technical education in California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 20, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

February 27
2008
Educational Governance and Accountability
2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2008

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street, Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meeting and site visit related to educational governance and accountability in California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov.

January 24
2008
Educational Governance and Accountability
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

National Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

  1. Caitlin Scott, Consultant, Center on Education Policy (Written Testimony)
     

State Perspectives on California's Implementation of State and Federal Accountability Measures 

  1. Gavin Payne, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Written Testimony)
     

Proposals for Local and Regional Accountability Oversight 

  1. Assemblymember Juan Arambula, 31st Assembly District (Written Testimony)


Parent Perspectives on Accountability 

  1. Cecelia Mansfield, Legislative Advocate, California State PTA (Written Testimony)

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2008

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, January 24, 2008, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the third of three planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of various perceptions of accountability implementation in California, including national and state perspectives on California’s execution of federal and state measures. Witnesses also will discuss proposals for local and regional accountability oversight and the role of parents in the accountability system. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

During its business meeting, the Commission will hear from the Department of Personnel Administration and the State Personnel Board on the Human Resources Modernization Project and their response to the Commission’s recommendations from its 2005 report, “Serving the Public: Managing the State Workforce to Improve Outcomes.”

Following the hearing, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings and advisory committee meetings related to alcohol and drug treatment programs in California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 17, 2008.

October 25
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
Thursday, October 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Oversight: Sanctions and Interventions 

  1. Jenifer J. Harr, Senior Research Analyst, American Institutes for Research (Written Testimony)
     

Organizational Capacity: Defining the Appropriate Role for Each Layer of Governance 

  1. Wendy Harris, Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement, California Department of Education (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presentation)
     
  2. Susan K. Burr, Executive Director, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Richard Bray, Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District (Written Testimony)
     

State Board of Education: Enforcing the Accountability System 

  1. Gary Borden, Deputy Executive Director, California State Board of Education (Written Testimony)


Data Analysis and Evaluation 

  1. Keric Ashley, Director, Data Management Division, California Department of Education (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Matt Aguilera, Principal Program Budget Analyst, California Department of Finance (Written Testimony, Attachment)

Lessons from Successful Schools 

  1. Daniel Chacon, Principal, and Willetta Fritz, Teacher, English Department Chairperson and English/Language Arts Curriculum Support Provider, Sanger High School (Written Testimony)
     
  2. James S. Lanich, President, California Business for Education Excellence (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

October 24
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
2:00 - 5:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

October 24
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy, 2950 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA
Site Visit
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the second of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance and accountability systems. The Commission is examining these systems to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide a review of various aspects of California’s accountability system. Witnesses will discuss oversight through sanctions and interventions, organizational capacity, data analysis and evaluation and lessons from successful schools. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a site visit of Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The school is located at 2950 Hurley Way in Sacramento.

The Educational Governance and Accountability Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Library and Courts Building II, located at 900 N Street, Room 340, Sacramento, CA. The subcommittee will discuss assessment tests and the culture of testing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.

September 27
2007
Educational Governance and Accountability
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Educational Governance and Accountability 
Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Overview of Getting Down to Facts 

  1. Susanna Loeb, Director, Institute for Research on Education Policy & Practice, Stanford University, and Coordinator, Getting Down to Facts Project (Written Testimony)
     

Educational Governance 

  1. Dominic J. Brewer, Professor of Education, Economics and Policy, University of Southern California (Written Testimony, PowerPoint Presenation)
     

Public School Finance 

  1. Thomas Timar, Professor of Education, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jon Sonstelie, Visiting Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)


Obstacles to Reform 

  1. Delaine Eastin, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction and former Assemblymember (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Charles A. Ratliff, former Director, Office of the Education Master Plan (Written Testimony)

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2007

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Thursday, September 27, 2007, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on educational governance and accountability in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

This is the first of two planned hearings as part of the Commission’s review of California’s educational governance system. The Commission is reviewing educational governance to identify reforms that will improve student outcomes. This hearing will provide an overview of current research, as well as current attitudes toward reform. Witnesses will discuss the Getting Down to Facts project, the infrastructure of educational governance and public school finance in California and obstacles to change. A complete agenda is on the reverse.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

In addition, the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss the next steps for the Commission’s alcohol and drug treatment study.

The Career Technical Education Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission also will meet on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 115 of the State Capitol. The subcommittee will discuss what it has learned from the Commission’s public hearings, advisory committee meetings and site visits related to career technical education in California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 20, 2007. Commission hearings can be viewed via Webcast within a week after the hearing date on the California Channel Web site, www.calchannel.com.