Our number one priority must be to ensure that high-quality instruction and learning are taking place in all L.A. classrooms, from early education to college. Using data, we must develop a multi-tiered system of instruction and support during the regular school day for all students, ranging from those at-risk for failure to those needing extended learning opportunities.

A. Provide resources and the option for schools to develop their own professional development at school sites.

• Based on data, establish collaborative teacher-organized professional development workshops between schools by subject, grade, etc.
• Foster a culture of self-improvement among teachers and administrators by encouraging classroom visits by peers, parents and other colleagues.
• Continue to collect case studies of best practices and facilitate sharing with schools pre-K through university.
• Support the collaborative use of a research based rubric on high-quality teaching elements to help inform the teaching practice and the ongoing process of continuous improvement with all stakeholders.
• Improve the quality of Early Childhood Education programs through the establishment of quality standards and by bolstering, incentivizing and leveraging investments in professional development and education of the early care and education workforce.

B. Support full implementation and continue to improve web-based and user-friendly data tools rolled out district-wide in 2009, for all L.A. public school teachers to monitor, assess and improve instruction daily.

C. In the spirit of reciprocal accountability, create a standardized, objective and viable performance evaluation model by which all L.A. public school district leadership, administrators, teachers and district employees are evaluated. This effort would also include redesigning or expanding the Peer Assistance and Review program to help new and struggling teachers and administrators.

D. Provide resources, training, time and flexibility to teachers and administrators so they can collectively plan, implement and evaluate standards-based curriculum that is culturally relevant, engaging and emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving skills.

• Ensure that all students graduate with the option to enroll directly into a university and are prepared for a career by implementing the College and Career Readiness through A-G initiative.
• Leverage local and national organizations and efforts to build capacity for 21st century learning in L.A. public schools

E. Support the collaborative implementation of Common Core Standards and State Assessment systems.

F. Upgrade all classrooms with the tools, technology and equipment needed to develop and enhance subject-specific instruction; work with outside funders to supplement effort.

• Encourage teachers to use a variety of assessments, including the new 21st century assessments from California and national consortia to support teachers and schools in gathering data to inform instructional decision-making to improve student achievement.

G. Implement the English Learner and Standard English Learner Master Plan to ensure students have equity and access to a high-quality education.