Sen. Leland Yee

Improve student success
As a Child Psychologist and former San Francisco School Board member, the education of our children has always been my highest priority.

In order for all students to have equal opportunity for success, we not only need to provide books and teachers but also the necessary and adequate support resources. Numerous studies show that when schools have a comprehensive plan to offer students physical, social, emotional and intellectual support, the student success rate in school and later in life dramatically increases.

Many California schools have identified the unique needs among some members of their student body and have, for example, integrated resources for English language learners or encouraged students to take advantage of Healthy Start programs.

However, few schools have established a more comprehensive plan to address the needs of all students. I have heard a growing consensus among researchers, policy makers and educators that stronger collaborative efforts by families, schools and communities are essential to student success.

It is because of this that I decided to introduce Senate Bill (SB) 288. The legislation would establish a Comprehensive Pupil Learning Support System (CPLSS) pilot program in five school districts.

This learning support system program will include support services, such as before- and after-school programs and social programs, for new students. It will address vulnerable populations, such as homeless students and those with special needs, and it will also include vocational and college counseling and mentoring services.

Under SB 288, school districts that are interested in enhancing and coordinating their student support services can apply for funding through the State Department of Education. More information will be available through my office if this bill is passed.

The bill is modeled after successful statewide reforms in Washington, Hawaii and Iowa, where efforts to implement comprehensive learning support systems have resulted in significant improvement in student academic performance.

Currently, learning support services provided in most California schools are fragmented, marginalized and inequitably distributed. As a result, many students are struggling. An increasing number of children live without caring relationships and supportive resources at home, having tragic consequences.

Senate Bill 288 will not only enhance the way schools address barriers to learning but will promote a healthy development for all students.

Available data underscores this problem:
á Only 71 percent of California high school students graduate;
á Only 44 percent of minority students graduate in the Los Angeles School District;
á 25 to 50 percent of all beginning teachers leave teaching within four years. Many do so because of the lack of an adequate system of learning supports;
á More than 650 California schools are designated as "high priority" or low performing.

Addressing student learning support systems in a comprehensive manner through SB 288 can help reverse these trends. There is no greater task we have as legislators than to provide a strong education and support system for our children's future. This bill will help to ensure that each pupil will be a productive and responsible learner and citizen.

Sen. Leland Yee is the assistant president pro tempore at the California Senate.