CUSD finalizes Board Policy for GATE program.

October 10, 2018 CUSD BOT Meeting Agenda Item #18 SECOND READING – BOARD POLICY 6172, GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM

Board Agenda page 342

CUSDWatch Comment:

CUSD has not really had a GATE program since 2013-14. CUSD staff has made a decision to basically eliminate programing for high achieving students. Under the Canadian model of education [Michael Fullan] class size and differentiated learning do not matter. Only the teacher matters - professional development is where money should be spent.

When the Local Control Funding Formula was implemented school districts were no longer "required" to teach curriculum that aligned with California State Content Standards and Curriculum Frameworks. It became a "recommendation" not a "requirement". As a result of LCFF, AB2313 Gifted and Talented Pupils repealed the States Requirement to fund programs for Gifted and Talented Students

At the November 16, 2016 BOT meeting Superintendent Vital stated on the record that District Staff "without Board Approval" made the unilateral decision to defund GATE, and programing for high achieving students. At that time, Trustee Hatton-Hodson also expressed her opinion that research showed that class size and differentiated learning do not matter.

Background:

CUSD BOT Meeting September 12, 2018 Agenda Item #30 Staff Presentation on GATE program
Board Agenda page 715
Board Audio at 2:27:49

Agenda Item #31 FIRST READING - Board Policy 6172 GATE Program
Board Agenda page 735
Board Audio at 3:21:57

CUSDWatch Comment

"Management Resources" is a new addition to Board Policy in place of Legal References.

CUSD Staff cites CSBA (California School Boards Association) as a management resource for this Board Policy- Absolutely Not- that is a political advocacy organization that has no legal authority. CUSD staff is seeking to give them legal authority.

STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY!