California's public education system was once the standard by which other state systems were measured. One of the paramount goals of the California Business Roundtable is to return California schools to that position of prominence.

California’s business leaders know that a successful public education system is not only in the best interest of students, parents and teachers, but also important to a strong and vibrant economy.

That explains why California's business leaders often cite improving the quality of K-12 public education as an important policy priority for California's future growth. These same business leaders believe that requiring exit exams and achievement testing are important ways we can ensure California's continued economic prosperity. Reducing class size, increasing competition and improving school facilities are initiatives that deserve public support.

A large portion of the state's K-16 education facilities are over 30 years old — forcing the students of our high tech economy to learn in facilities with crumbling walls, inadequate wiring, poor ventilation and overcrowded classrooms.

And California's student population keeps growing at a phenomenal pace. Our K-12 school system is adding 100,000 students every year, while higher education is experiencing a growth rate of 50-60,000 annually.

California's public education system is faced with formidable challenges. The California Business Roundtable supports a number of policies that will help the California public education system provide the business community with well-prepared students who will guide California's future growth and economy. They include:

• Strengthening academic standards and implementing an academic assessment program to make certain these standards are achieved;
• Reducing class size while allowing school districts adequate flexibility;
• Integrating technology into classrooms;
• Financing new school facilities and repairing and modernizing older schools;
• Improving teacher preparation and credentialing.

LEARN MORE:

Closing Achievement Gaps At All Grade Levels: The Next Phase In Improving California’s Public Schools (February 2005)

Reaching Higher — a Roadmap for the Future of Education Reform in California (January 2001)

California Business for Education Excellence

Just for the Kids - California

The Campaign for College Opportunity

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

Building a Legacy for the Next Generation (1998)

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