"One of my students from Santa Monica was a black, homeless on occasion, and transgender student. There was an effort from our private efforts to get this student into a summer program at Harvard, and with a lot of fingerprints being placed on this child; he entered Dartmouth on a full scholarship last year.

I know the next student was significantly below where this student was, and it made me question. I think that there probably can be more. I like to work with those disadvantage students where I can, and 20% of my business focuses on these students on a pro bono basis.

I wish there was more effort on the district part to incorporate more private sectors professionals into the district instead of shutting them out."
Oct. 1, 2014 Patty Finer

"The achievement gap is a persistent national problem and our District is no exception. The District has been mindful and has been trying to address this challenge for years, with limited results. The District is committed to a systemic approach to addressing the achievement gap. Our approach is under constant evaluation; it is and will continue to be constantly improved and re-evaluated, in accordance with data and research. Our comprehensive approach must include:
• Quality pre-school opportunities
• Parent education and participation
• Reduced class sizes in K-3 so that teachers can give necessary attention to literacy and numeracy
• Setting high expectations, believing in students and helping them meet expectations
• Structured time for teachers to share strategies, which will better enable them to help struggling students
• Early intervention, including mentors and tutors for students who fall behind
• Scholarships and enhanced programs in music and arts
• Expanded classroom hours, including targeted summer school programs
• Differentiated and culturally responsive instruction
• Partnerships with Santa Monica College, youth-oriented non-profits, and volunteers to provide focused attention to at-risk students and families and augment school programs."
Oct. 1, 2014 Laurie Lieberman

"Various efforts have been undertaken to close the 'achievement gap'. For example, the Young Collegians Program allows 24 minority students and/or students from low income families to attend college classes during the summer. This collaborative program between the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and Santa Monica College is offered free of charge to eligible students. Its success is evidenced by lives that have been transformed in a positive way. For example, Alvaro Alvardo, who had never used a computer before coming to the United States in 2005, now wants to be a software engineer. Another participant in the Young Collegians program is senior Logan Henderson, who wants to become a doctor who serves low income families.

However, in spite of some successes in decreasing the 'achievement gap' a big disparity still remains. For example, African-American male students' test scores are significantly lower than those of their White and Asian counterparts. There are simple, relatively inexpensive approaches that can help motivate all students rise to their real potential. The district can institute a conscious push for policies that re-enforce the goodness and ambition within children. Let's provide more interesting character-building books in elementary school classrooms and school libraries--including books in which African-American boys are portrayed as heroes. Let's promote inspiring movies and music. Let's empower young people to figure out what will result in real success in life."

Oct. 1, 2014 Dhun May

"Although the district provides a broad spectrum of academic opportunity with substantial support resources for students and their families the cohorts of lower socio-economic students and males of color consistently have low academic achievement levels.

The district needs to continue to grow its efforts to provide equitable access and opportunity to all students and to provide the necessary resources each student needs. To that end the Gift Policy encourages the community to work together to raise the financial resources to provide the same programs in all of our schools. This past year $4 million was raised and committed to the Vision for Student Success.

The Vision for Student Success is in its first year of implementation. It funds Trained Instructional Assistants in all elementary classrooms for a few hours per day, Literacy Coaches in all schools to support our teachers, arts instruction in all TK -5 classrooms and professional development programs for all staff. Its success should lead to higher achievement for all students and increased belief in the ability of all students.

Concurrently, the district needs to build on the success of the first ethnic studies course at Samohi, as part of the multi-year Equity and Access plan, providing more opportunities for all students to understand different cultures and to promote diversity and social justice."
Oct. 1, 2014 Ralph Mechur