Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/214242
Profile Advocacy L E G I S L AT O R P R O F I L E : Joan Buchanan INTERVIEWED BY LEN FELDMAN Joan Buchanan chairs the Assembly Education Committee. Since 2008 she has represented the 16th Assembly District, which includes portions of Alameda and Contra Costa counties and the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. What led you to run for office? In 1990 our teachers were on strike. The district was deficit-spending and approaching bankruptcy. Curriculum was developed by board-appointed community members, not teachers or administrators. R-rated movies were banned, and schools were not allowed Continuing Education for Educators Online Self-paced and Independent Study Courses Completed conveniently at your pace from home or school . . . NEW! Online Self-Paced Courses: Common Core Standards Series (English Language Arts and Mathematics) Flipped Classroom Instruction and Technology Tools Historical Spotlights Series Beginning Teachers Series Using the Internet Series NEW! R.E.A.D. (Read, Empower, Act and Discover) 1-Unit Courses Choose from a variety of approved books promoting continuous improvement and professional development. Educator 11 Nov 2013 v2.1 int.indd 41 to implement the DARE [antidrug] program. We desperately needed new leadership, and I believed I could make a difference, so I ran for school board. In 2008, when the Assembly seat was open in my district, I was ready for a new challenge and decided to run. What steps should the Legislature take to help schools succeed? a great superintendent. I think the bench is thin in this area. Second, I would increase capacity of our teachers by providing more time for articulation, sharing best practices and targeted in-service. Third, I would fund preschool for all students. Students who start behind, finish behind. Any advice for education advocates? For starters, let's acknowledge that we cannot legislate our way to Meet regularly with your represensuccess. We've tried that over and tatives in their district offices. Tell Joan Buchanan over, with little success. We cannot them about the good things that test our way to success. In addition to paying are happening in your schools — their schools salaries that will allow us to attract the best — and share your priorities on local issues and brightest to the profession, here is what as well as state legislation. Get to know them. I would do. Then, when they are advocating for or against First, I'd stop blaming teachers and focus on a bill, it is much easier to contact them and ask leadership. I've never seen a great school withfor support. out a great principal or a great district without Cutting-Edge K-12 Curriculum A F F O R D A B L E | C O N V E N I E N T | R E L E VA N T START AN *Online Fixed-date Certificate Program THIS SEMESTER! NEW! Mental Health First Aid Certificate NEW! Classroom Resolutions Certificate Character Education Specialist Certificate Bullying Prevention in Our Schools Certificate Teacher Leader Certificate Mobile Technology Learning Certificate BUILD NEW SKILLS AND Be a Changemaker ENROLL TODAY! Visit: PCE.sandiego.edu Call: (888) 983-3979 11/13/13 6:31 PM