THE ISSUESEducationBeverly's Statement: As Chairperson of the Fruitvale Community Development Council from the mid nineties to 2003 our Board of Directors was very involved with Calvin Simmons Middle School (Currently Peralta Creek and Leadership Academy). We made recommendation to fund programs to prevent the rampant truancy, instability of keeping a principal, and social problems in the school that needed intervention. One of the main problems was the truancy and non-credentialed teachers and control of classrooms. More on Eduction: We also should hire credentialed teachers and those that can control their classrooms. Controlling one's classroom should be part of the evaluation process. This situation enhances crime and victims of crime. We need to stop blaming the students and parents for phenomena that is not being addressed. Drug affected kids need a new kind of intervention. I don't know if teachers are trained for this kind of child. If not, should they be? The City can intervene by inviting new business owners to go on speaking tours of the schools to acquaint themselves with the youth. As Chairperson for the Fruitivale Community Development Council: We recommended funding for the "Father Figure" program at Calvin Simmons middle school, to provide mentorship to the very difficult middle school students. Contact Beverly at 510.532.0333 or FayeBeck@comcast.net |