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Welcome

Thank you for visiting the web site of the Office of the Secretary of Education. The Secretary serves as a member of the Governor's cabinet and advises the Governor on all educational issues from preschool through higher education. The office has a small staff of experienced education and policy experts committed to creating, supporting, and promoting the Governor's education policies and related legislation to ensure that all California children have access to a quality education.

 

Pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order S-13-09, the Office of the Secretary of Education will be closed on the first, second, and third Friday of each month from August 2009 through June 2010.

 

On March 17, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger launched www.recovery.ca.gov to ensure transparency and accountability of federal economic stimulus funding as it is received and expended by the state. The launch happens the day after Schwarzenegger Administration officials attended a White House conference on federal economic stimulus in Washington, DC. The Web site will provide Californians with new tools to monitor ongoing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act activity and provide up-to-date information about how and when their federal tax dollars are spent. As information becomes available, the Web site will also post the geographic distribution of expenditures through the use of digital mapping technology.

“We are working hand-in-hand with President Obama to help put Californians back to work and revitalize our economy,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “We are fighting for every federal stimulus dollar – and will work to ensure each dollar is spent effectively and with transparency and accountability."

In addition to providing information on federal funds as they are received and expended, the Web site will also be used by the state to fulfill federal reporting requirements. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requires states and other grantees to report project status, spending, and job creation and retention to the public on a regular basis.

Reporting included on the Web site will also include announcements for grant competitions, allocations of formula grants and awards of competitive grants. The President’s Council of Economic Advisors will report quarterly on the estimated impact on employment and economic growth.     

On July 16th, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger in cooperation with the Office of the Secretary of Education, announced a new resource for California, www.schoolfinder.ca.gov. Schoolfinder.ca.gov is a resource for parents, educators, and others to compare schools based on key metrics provided by the schools to the California Department of Education. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the new site, please visit the FAQ page.

 

 

Overview: Governor's Office of the Secretary of Education

California's Secretary of Education serves as the primary education advisor to the Governor.

The Office of the Secretary of Education (OSE) is instrumental in the development of the Administration's education policy initiatives and is responsible for spearheading all Administration-sponsored legislation for education.

A primary function of OSE is to provide the Governor and the Administration with detailed policy and fiscal analyses and recommendations on all education legislation and proposed initiatives. OSE staff analyzes approximately 325 education bills each year.

OSE meets regularly with a variety of education stakeholder groups (e.g., Ed Coalition organizations, school districts, parents, students, advocacy groups, etc.) and legislative staff to discuss an array of education policy issues and proposals. This important interface and dialogue takes place through meetings (both formal and informal), conferences, roundtable discussions, summits, legislative action days, etc.

 

California's Public Education System: Critical Components

Public education is a vast, complex system that represents arguably the most important responsibility of state and local government: preparing its citizenry and work force of the future. Simply put, the purpose of K-12 education is to ensure a learning environment designed to provide all students with sufficient and appropriate academic experiences that will prepare them for success in the world of higher education and the work force.

The Office of the Secretary of Education is committed to supporting and enhancing the critical components of an effective educational system designed for the 21st century. These include:

• standards-based instruction accessible to all students, including English learners, disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities
• effective teachers and administrators training, adequacy, equitable distribution, compensation
• accountability for student success and fiscal responsibility
• data-driven decision-making
• learning enhancement and support intervention, preschool, after-school programs
• inclusion of career-technical education, visual/performing arts, and physical education as necessary components of a whole curriculum
• opportunities for local innovation and flexibility
• adequate and equitable funding and resources
• safe schools and a climate that supports student well-being
• quality instructional materials for every student, including access to technology and school libraries
• well-designed, well-maintained, and adequate school facilities
• supportive work environment for teachers, administrators, and classified employees
• parental involvement and choice opportunities

Early Learning Quality Improvement System (ELQIS) Committee

 

In 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 1629 (Steinberg, Chapter 307, Statutes of 2008) to establish the Early Learning Quality Improvement System (ELQIS) Advisory Committee.  The ELQIS is charged with developing a high quality learning system framework. 

The Early Learning Quality Improvement System Advisory Committee consists of thirteen members and is co-chaired by Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell and Secretary of Education Glen Thomas.

For further information including upcoming Committee meetings and FAQ's, please click here.