We must show that accountability is a fundamental part of our way of thinking. There is a higher level of resources required. We have to show that there are consequences for not improving student achievement in underperforming schools. We have a system of fiscal accountability. Taking over districts under that system, such as Compton, has been difficult.
Accountability has to be something that stays around.
We must show that it not just something we are doing while we wait for the next thing to happen. Mr. Weis commented on the need to build district-level support for schools in order to facilitate improvement. Superintendent Eastin agreed that a strong system of district-level support is essential. Mr. Jacobs commented that the state needs to think about freeing up flow of funds, having fewer categoricals, creating more flexibility in the use of funds. Senator Alpert has been focused on categorical reform for some years.