March 18, 2006

FREMONT — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell worked his way through Fremont on Friday, speaking at two venues about student achievement and child nutrition.

At his first event, the annual EdSource forum on educational policies at the Fremont Marriott, O'Connell reaffirmed his commitment to close the achievement gap between students of varying backgrounds.

California's position as one of the world's most powerful economic players will be compromised if today's students are not prepared to move the state forward, O'Connell said.

"We not only have a moral imperative to address the achievement gap, but friends, we also have an economic imperative to address the achievement gap," he said.

Asked if he would support a Spanish version of the state high school exit examination — which students must pass to receive a diploma, starting with this year's graduating class — O'Connell said the goal is for students to become proficient in English.

"It's important for our economy that we can communicate with our students," he said.

He even speculated that future students not only would need to demonstrate English and mathematics proficiency to be successful but they also would need to acquire technological skills.

In subsequent years, the state Department of Education will consider raising the standards bar even higher,O'Connell said.

Furthermore, O'Connell said, the next government-funded intervention program should focus on students not yet in high school who test below or far below basic proficiency levels.

After his morning speech, O'Connell made his way to Chadbourne Elementary School for a news conference to announce the release of a Department of Education report on improving child nutrition.

The report — "School Nutrition ... BY DESIGN!" — includes suggestions for how schools can improve their nutrition programs and provides online links to schools with success stories.

Recommendations include scheduling lunch after recess, because students often rush through meals to give themselves more time on the playground; involving students in preparing menus; and selecting only nonfood items or healthy foods to sell at fund-raisers.

The education department will hold workshops throughout the state this spring to help schools implement the strategies.

At the conclusion of O'Connell's morning speech, the state superintendent encouraged audience members to stay tuned.

"The best is yet to come for education, and the best is yet to come for California," he said.

The nutrition report is available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/fd, under "Other Department Documents."

Copyright 2006 -- InsideBayArea.com