California's public schools will soon have to satisfy another set of state academic benchmarks. Educators will also have to take cultural sensitivity training. It's all part of a new statewide plan to close the state's racial achievement gap. From KPBS Radio in San Diego, Ana Tintocalis reports.
State school superintendent Jack O'Connell unveiled the plan during his State of Education address. The most ambitious initiative forces public schools to meet Achievement Gap Intervention benchmarks.
The measures are designed to make educators more accountable for improving the performance of black and Latino students. O'Connell also wants educators to take cultural sensitivity training.
O'Connell : Until we understand our own cultural perspectives and biases, we cant begin to correct any institutional biases that we have. Biases such as those that allow for lower expectations, culturally ineffective instruction or fewer resources at schools serving students of color.
O'Connell shocked many educators this year when he said race and not poverty plays a bigger role in a student's success.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
