State superintendent candidates discuss strategies for enhancing state test scores.

As the 2024 election year approaches, candidates for California’s state superintendent of public instruction are addressing pressing educational challenges. Recent data reveals that only 48.82% of students met state standards in English Language Arts, while a mere 37.30% achieved proficiency in mathematics. In light of these troubling stats, candidates are outlining their plans to improve educational outcomes and bridge existing achievement gaps.

Richard Barrera, a member of the San Diego Unified School Board and an advisor at the California Department of Education, argues that the state should reject a return to pre-pandemic scores, which already showcased significant racial and economic disparities. Barrera highlights the necessity for foundational improvements in early education, emphasizing early numeracy skills and the recruitment of effective teachers. He advocates for consistent support for students lagging in mathematics through tutoring and extended learning opportunities, especially in schools with high numbers of low-income and underserved students. By focusing on these elements, he believes that educational outcomes can see meaningful improvement throughout California.

In contrast, Josh Newman, former State Senator and current Senior Fellow at the University of California, Irvine, frames the issue as a generational failure that requires urgent and strategic responses. He points to states like Mississippi and Massachusetts, which have successfully enhanced educational achievement through coherent, evidence-based practices. Newman emphasizes the importance of strengthening mathematics instruction from early grades, tackling chronic absenteeism, and expanding access to advanced courses that tie classroom learning with real-world applications.

Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District, passionately advocates for a return to fundamental mathematics instruction. She claims that reliance on experimental teaching methods has obscured educational clarity and hindered student mastery of essential skills. Shaw urges for heightened accountability among schools and the necessity for educators to receive concrete support, including superior curriculum materials and targeted intervention for struggling students.

Anthony Rendon, a former state assembly speaker, highlights the significance of collaboration among education stakeholders to enhance academic performance, citing recent reforms in reading curriculum as a success story. He underscores the need for a pragmatic approach to education recovery rather than imposing new mandates.

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi emphasizes early childhood education as foundational for long-term success, promoting initiatives aimed at establishing a solid educational base. Meanwhile, Nichelle Henderson of the Los Angeles Community College District calls for systemic changes to ensure that all students receive the support necessary to achieve academically.

As candidates navigate these complex issues, the emphasis remains on adopting proven strategies, enhancing teacher readiness, and directly addressing the diverse educational needs of California’s student population. The upcoming election will serve as a critical turning point for the future of education in the state, with meaningful implications for students’ academic achievement and overall development.