League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
	Elaine Eileen Spence Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Mountain View-Whisman School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Altos/Mtn. View Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. The California High School Exit Exam results showed that a number of Mountain View-Whisman graduates did not pass the Exit Exam on their first try. Given that the math portion of the Exit Exam tests mostly seventh grade math standards and the English Language arts portion requires strong English language skills, how do you plan to address these related issues at the kindergarten through eighth grade preparatory levels?

Our schools must be more effective at communicating with parents about student progress. The new standards based report cards that are being piloted at the Elementary level will show parents exactly where their child is in relation to California State Standards.

Teachers must be able to differentiate their instruction within the classroom to target the areas where students need improvement. We need to give the teachers the tools they need to successfully accomplish this. Tools include (1) Textbooks from publishers already aligned to the standards. (2) Professional development needs to be specifically targeted to help our schools meet academic goals.

2. Where do you want the Mountain View-Whisman School District to be five years from now? In your view, what steps should the district take to get there?

1) Close the achievement gap across the district. We have defined standards and are building tools for assessment so that we can reach our objectives. We need to make practical use of data to guide, confirm and adjust our efforts as we go. We must draw lessons from our experience to increase our rate of improvement.

2) Middle Schools develop into "Flagship" schools of MVWSD We make sure "Best Practices" as identified by our Middle School Task Force are put in place. Effective communication and collaboration among all educational partners is a must. (Including forming partnerships with the High Schools)

3. How would you create a climate of inclusivity, respect, and openness so that diverse members of the community could be brought together to address the educational needs of Mountain View-Whisman children?

Our School Community needs to work together with our new Superintendent to develop a good long term strategic plan that accurately reflects our diversity, values, character and philosophy. This Strategic Plan building process must involve the Board, parents, teachers and community leaders.

I am a consensus builder who believes in finding the middle ground that everyone can support through true two-way communication consisting of targeted forums and stakeholder inclusive planning sessions to define and clarify district policy.

Trustees can have monthly "meet the parent" events, columns in "The Voice" and make use of public television to increase access and visibility.