Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools


Book Description

Provides vision for strong school library programs, including identification of the skills and knowledge essential for students to be information literate. Includes recommended baseline staffing, access, and resources for school library services at each grade level.




Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve


Book Description

This framework describes a developmental, sequential, age-appropriate physical education program designed to provide students of all ages with the knowledge and ability needed to maintain an active, healthy life-style. Three major goals of the curriculum are that students should: (1) develop effective motor skills and understand the fundamentals of movement by practicing and analyzing purposeful movement; (2) develop and maintain a positive self-image and strive to achieve personal excellence in planned physical activities; and (3) develop appropriate social behaviors by working independently and with others during planned physical activity. The guide, divided into six chapters, provides concepts and strategies that form the foundation of a comprehensive physical education system for kindergarten through grade 12. The chapter titles are: (1) "A Vision for Physical Education"; (2) "Goals and Disciplines for the Physical Education Curriculum"; (3) "Physical Education Guidelines for Kindergarten through Grade 12"; (4) "Environment Needed for a Quality Physical Education Program"; (5) "Quality Instruction in Physical Education"; and (6) "Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Resources." A definition and outcomes of the physically educated person, a program advisory clarifying adapted physical education program services, and a list of publications available from the California Department of Education are appended. (LL)




Recommended Literature


Book Description




School District Organization Handbook


Book Description

This handbook describes procedures for school-district reorganization in California. Following the introductory chapter, chapter 2 offers a historical overview of school-district reorganization in California. Chapters 3 and 4 outline the organization and responsibilities of the county committee and the role and responsibilities of the State Board of Education. The fifth chapter provides a step-by-step process of forming or abolishing school districts, consolidating school districts, transferring territory, and unifying school districts. A series of flowcharts explain the 25 percent petition, the 10 percent petition, the state criteria for approvals, and the guidelines for administering the California Environmental Quality Act regulations. Chapter 6 details the requirements of the Education Code Section 35753 governing reorganization proposals. Chapter 7 lists the various effects of a district organizational change on a school district and its employees, property, funds, obligations, bond indebtedness, and revenue limit. The requirements for elections and public hearings are listed in the eighth chapter. Chapters 9 and 10 describe the new governing board and its operations and other functions of the county committee. The final two chapter summarize the appeals process related to transfers of territory and procedures for reorganizing community colleges. Appendices contain state regulations; a list of chartered counties, cities, and school districts; and sample forms. (LMI)




Health Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve


Book Description

This framework emphasizes health literacy for students, i.e., development of the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for healthy living. The framework defines four unifying ideas of health literacy that serve as central themes for all content areas and grade levels: (1) acceptance of personal responsibility for lifelong health; (2) respect for and promotion of the health of others; (3) an understanding of the process of growth and development; (4) informed use of health-related information, products, and services; and (5) promotion of health education supported by a comprehensive school health system and sustained by the collaborative efforts of school, family, and community. Seven chapters are organized as follows: (1) "The Vision: Health Literacy, Healthy Schools, Healthy People"; (2) Developing Health Literacy in the Classroom and in the School"; (3) "Health Education"; (4) "Beyond Health Education"; (5) "Assessment of Health Literacy"; (6) "Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Resources"; and (7) "Integration with Other Disciplines." Selected Education Code sections, a paper titled "Integrated Services Center Links School, Family and Community" (Andrea Zetlin and Robert Bilovsky), Project Teach recommendations on preservice teacher training in health education, and a list of publications available from the California Department of Education are appended. (LL)




Not as Good as You Think


Book Description

Parents know how important good schools are when they are deciding where to buy a new house. That's why they are willing to stretch their budget for a home near a "good" school. But they should not be fooled by the tree-lined streets and expensive real estate - the neighborhood schools may not be as good as they think, according to the findings in Not as Good as You Think: Why the Middle Class Needs School Choice. The book takes readers on a driving tour of some of California's best neighborhoods and supposedly some of its best schools. Many parents have found out the hard way that despite what they have been told about their neighborhood schools, many of these students are not performing at grade level, let alone ready for college.




California's Public Schools


Book Description

In 1996 Calif. adopted the Class Size Reduction program, which created a great immediate need for personnel and facilities in Calif. public educ. Facilities and personnel shortages in the schools are further compounded as Calif. public educ. faces an unparalleled growth in student enrollment. This survey was conducted to determine from each school district's point of view, personnel and facilities needs as well as their ability to meet the needs of a growing student population. This report includes: making government accountable to Calif. taxpayers; survey analysis; Calif.'s projected school needs; and Needs Assessment Survey. Charts and tables.







Visual and Performing Arts Framework for California Public Schools


Book Description

Examines the value & essential ideas in arts education & presents the elements of a comprehensive arts program for students in K-12 -- from planning, delivery, assessment, & community resources to technology in the service of the arts. Programs for dance, music, theater, & visual arts are detailed with discussion on the components of education in each of the disciplines as well as curriculum; assessment; technology; special needs students; teacher preparation & professional development; resources, materials & equipment; & goals. Glossary of terms. Examples of careers in the visual & performing arts. Photos, references & resources.