On November 3rd at UCLA and on November 9th in Orange County, the Assembly Select Committee on Urban Education will hold hearings to seek out successful urban education programs. The task of the Committee is to identify the most successful urban education programs and public/private partnerships. The ultimate goals of the committee are to use the findings to propose legislation that would enable other schools to replicate the best practices identified and to publicize the successful programs throughout the state.

Education is California’s most important infrastructure issue. The State has a great challenge ensuring that all students experience success and meet the nation’s highest educational standards. Students must graduate possessing the knowledge and skills to enable California to continue as a world economic and technological power. California’s public schools must ensure that all students are successful, regardless of race, language, ethnicity or gender.

The Speaker of the California Assembly appointed the following members to the Select Committee on Urban Education: Joe Coto (D-San Jose, Chair), Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar, Vice Chair), Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), Hector DeLaTorre (D-South Gate), Mervyn Dymally (D-Compton), Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City), Cindy Montañez (D-San Fernando), Alberto Torrico (D-Newark), Van Tran (R-Westminster).

The Select Committee on Urban Education’s two hearings in November will be held on:

• Thursday, November 3, 10 AM, at UCLA

• Wednesday, November 9, 10 AM, in Orange County

Presentations of best practices programs will be in 15 minute increments. Presentations will include oral description of program, examination of data and questions and answers with Legislators.

Educators interested in testifying should contact Mike Welch in Assemblymember Coto’s Capitol office (916.319.2023, arlan.welch@asm.ca.gov) to request a place on the agenda.