Kern classes back in session

VIEWPOINT
by Larry E. Reider
Saturday August 09, 2003

Like the rest of California, Kern County education has not escaped the fallout from the state's record budget deficit. It's no secret that we will begin the new school year with fewer resources.

In recent months, Kern educators have spent countless hours to keep these cuts as far from the classroom as possible.

What never changes during good or bad budget times is our commitment to children. Yes, financial times are tough for schools and many others. But in Kern County classrooms learning takes place every day, every school year, no matter what the economic environment. In the coming months you will see more coming from our classrooms that reflects positively on our students, educators and community.

Many past and future achievements would not be possible were it not for our community's track record of volunteerism, support for education, and collaboration. Collaboration helps us navigate these difficult times. And it's a sound way to do business. Our community has been practicing and refining our collaborative efforts for more than 10 years.

Target Reading First, an outgrowth of the very successful citizen-based Vision 2020 task force of community collaboration, is such an example. Launched in October 2002, Target Reading First is chaired by Bernie Herman, a widely respected business and community leader. Others on the committee represent a cadre of distinguished -- and savvy -- community leaders.

No one can argue that reading is the critical building block to success in school and as an adult. At the same time, the road to reading proficiency is a struggle for many children. More than 34,000 came to school from homes where English is not the primary language. Others come from environments where reading is not commonplace or encouraged.

No matter what their background or circumstance, our challenge must be to help these children not just become readers but to comprehend and develop sound reasoning skills. Research shows that if a student hasn't mastered reading skills early in their school career, they have an increasingly difficult time catching up with their classmates. Too often this leads to frustration and increases the risk of academic failure.

We know that society will pay an extremely high price if an inability to read prevents these children from growing into productive citizens. Two yardsticks top the Target Reading First agenda. The first is that by the year 2020, 90 percent of our third-grade students will be able to read at grade level. The second is by the year 2020, 90 percent of ninth grade students will be proficient in reading and comprehension. This goal may appear ambitious, but achieving it is critical if we are to improve our community's long-term economic infrastructure and increase work force opportunities.

The fallout from poor reading skills is underscored by these facts:

  • Fifty percent of Kern County third graders are now at or above the 50 national percentile ranking in reading -- telling us we have made progress but there is much more work to do.
  • More than 30 percent failed the high school exit exam, which state officials recently delayed until 2006 to make certain students are taught the material contained in the exam that is reflected in recently adopted state standards. Come 2006, we want to see a higher percentage pass the exit exam.
  • Far too many college freshmen require remedial English.
  • Seventy-five percent of unemployed adults have reading or writing difficulties (Poor reading skills are found throughout our prison population).
  • Twenty-five percent of Kern County children live in poverty.

Taken together these factors pose a significant challenge. But we must take on this challenge now rather than accept the status quo.

If Kern County is to prosper economically in this new century, and offer our youth more opportunities to stay in Kern County, our population's education must be increased. Reading is the key to increasing our educational level.

To reach the 2020 objectives, Target Reading First has embarked on the following work plan:

  • Identify and evaluate community resources and gaps. We have many volunteers who work daily with children and adults to improve their reading skills. The Community Reading Project, launched five years ago by The Bakersfield Californian and this office, is one example. We know there are more. These resources will be identified and, if possible, expanded to reach more of our under served population.
  • Linking people, programs and organizations so more can access these services.
  • Identify and support necessary resources, including funding to address specific needs.
  • Create an identity for the reading collaborative throughout the community.

Target Reading First also applied for two grants to help more children become proficient readers.

Kern County, like the rest of the state, will open our classrooms this school year with fewer dollars. But the resolve to make nearly 155,000 plus students successful never has been stronger.

Partnerships with business, schools and community members, help lessen the impact of tough fiscal times. My commitment to you is that we will explore every available means to have success in Kern County education.

You, our taxpayers, deserve no less.

Larry E. Reider is Kern County's superintendent of schools.


[ Print This Page ]   [ Email This Page ]