A Message to Our CommunityWelcome Back to School!Fall 2006

The start of school after a long summer break is an exciting time, with everyone in the household feeling anxious and having high hopes for a successful school year.

Everything from new clothes, a book bag, and shoes to a new school, teacher and classmates can make for a fun, or sometimes frightening, experience for youngsters.

What is most important during these times is that parents and family members provide support for students, especially for those students who may be feeling apprehensive about having a new teacher or having to make new friends.

It can be an exciting and anxious time for teachers, as well. A new group of students, a new principal or a new subject to teach.

At the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE), we are committed to supporting teachers, parents, educators and students with resources, training and other rigorous and relevant support to make each school year more successful than the last.

Part of that effort includes building professional communities that provide wrap-around support for students, professional development for teachers throughout the year (yes, even during the summer!) and guidance for parents who want to become more active in their children’s education.

At ACOE, we are we’re seeing tangible results (in the form of higher test scores) at schools where we are providing mathematical teaching support; we’re working to improve safety on the campuses in some of the toughest neighborhoods; we’re working with under-performing schools to help them assess their needs and develop and implement plans that will improve their campus; and we’re recruiting history teachers to pair them up with professional historians to improve their teaching of U.S. history.

While these and other efforts are aimed at closing the academic achievement gap, let’s not forget about keeping an eye on the ambition gap, too. It is imperative that we keep children excited about school, curious about the world around them and develop their love of learning. Through our collective efforts, we can help all children believe in their ability to achieve.

Sheila Jordan is the County Superintendent of Schools. She may be reached at 670-4144 or by e-mail at acoesuperintendent@acoe.org.