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Tina-King

YUCAIPA, CA - Last week, the Aspen Institute College Excel- lence Program (Aspen) announced that Dr. Tina King, President of San Diego College of Continuing Education, is one of 23 innova- tive leaders selected from across third cohort of the Aspen Presi- dents Fellowship, supported by JPMorgan Chase. The fellows will engage in a unique year-long pro- fessional development experience that will help them refine and en- act a reform agenda to help more of their students succeed both dur- ing and after college.

"Community colleges are evolv- ing to meet the demands of to- day's learners, equipping students with the skills and credentials that lead to real opportunities and good jobs," said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “These 23 presidents have committed to ensuring their institutions deliver measurable re- sults for every student."

Through the year-long program, fellows will work with highly accomplished community col- lege presidents, Aspen leaders, Dr. Tina King of Crafton Hills College Chosen for the Aspen Institute Presidents Fellowship

One of 23 Community College Leaders Selected for a Fellowship Focused on Improving Access, Completion, and Post-Grad Success for Students the country to participate in the by inclusive excellence, equityand each other to analyze their colleges' outcomes and develop concrete plans inspired by field- leading practices. The curriculum includes real-world exemplars, data on student outcomes and in- demand jobs, and insights on how current practices align with re- search-proven strategies that drive high levels of student success.

This second cohort of Aspen Presidents Fellows reflects our country's diverse talent: 65 per- cent are women, and 57 percent are people of color. They join a network of 433 fellowship alum- ni, 202 of whom are community college presidents today. Aspen connects and supports this grow- ing network of community col- lege reform leaders through tar- geted professional development, research briefings, and conven- ings at national conferences. Dr. Tina M. King is a transfor- mative educational leader guided mindedness, and institutional re- sponsibility for student success. She has served across every sector of public education in California, beginning her career as a middle school teacher in the Compton Unified School District. A tireless advocate for students and educa- tors, Dr. King is deeply committed to advancing equity, improving outcomes, and shaping effective public education policy.

She has launched comprehen- sive reforms to strengthen teach- ing, learning, and student success, including the San Diego Advance Noncredit and Credit Alignment partnership to create seamless pathways to degrees and certifi- cates. She is also leading the $35 million renovation of the historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Tony Thurmond Testifies on Plan to Move Education Dept Under Gov's Office

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Tony Thurmond proposal to move the state's ed- ucation department under the governor's office, while policy researchers argued the current system is too fragmented to deliv- er consistent results for students.

The debate took place March 25 during an Assembly Committee egies such as early literacy and closing achievement gaps.

"If you want to make impact, look to the things that are proven, like making sure that every single student knows how to read by third grade,” he said.

Seth Bramble, legislative advo- cate for the California Teachers Association (CTA), said his orga- nization has a number of concerns. "First of all, teachers report that on Education Informational Hear- ing, where lawmakers examined whether restructuring governance could improve how education policies are implemented across guidance from the California Department of Education is often unavailable when it's needed," he said. "The question that we ask, how does this governance pro- posal address the need for timely, actionable guidance?"

Bramble says there is also a capacity issue more so than a funding one.

the state.

Thurmond told lawmakers he has not seen evidence that the proposed shift would lead to better outcomes for students.

“I don't think that the proposal is a bad thing," he said, noting great- er gubernatorial focus on educa- tion could be beneficial. However, he added, "what I cannot find is any explanation about why and how this will benefit student out- comes."

Thurmond warned that structur- al changes alone would not drive improvement.

"Making this shift alone will not make student outcomes bet- ter," Thurmond said, emphasizing that the proposal does not include new funding or program invest- ments.

"The California Teachers Asso- ciation has significant questions about the current governance pro- posal and related budget trailer bill language," he said. "While the California Department of Educa- tion has room for improvement, we question whether this proposal addresses the real issues. Teach- ers ask us, what are the duties of the newly envisioned superinten- dent?"

Instead, Thurmond urged law- To continue, visit makers to focus on proven strat- westsidestorynewspaper.com.