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a senior adviser to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan who looked at six at-risk schools in late March to explore whether the CTA- sponsored Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) program could become a national model to turn around struggling schools. The landmark 2006 legislation established the largest school reform program in the na- tion. It provides $3 billion over eight years for proven reforms at 500 low-performing Cali- fornia public schools serving nearly a half million students. The schools benefit from smaller class sizes, better training for teachers and principals, and more counselors. During his March 28-29 fact-finding tour, Anderson explored why many California QEIA schools are thriving. He was impressed by what teachers can achieve when provided with essential resources, a collaborative framework in which to work and innovate, Enjoy the rewards. Get something back for your everyday purchases. Use your California Teachers Association Visa® Card with WorldPoints® rewards from Bank of America, and you’ll earn points you can redeem for cash, travel, merchandise, even unique adventures. Rewards for the things you buy anyway. Plus ongoing support for the California Teachers Association. 1.866.438.6262 Use Priority Code FACBGVwhen calling. For information about the rates, fees, and other costs and benefits associated with the use of this Rewards card, or to apply, call the toll free number above, or write to P.O. Box 15020, Wilmington, DE 19850. Terms apply to program features and Credit Card account benefits. For more information about the program, visit bankofamerica.com/worldpoints. Details accompany new account materials. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. The WorldPoints program is managed in part by independent third parties, including a travel agency registered to do business in California (Reg. No. 2036509-50); Ohio (Reg. No. 87890286); Washington (6011237430) and other states, as required. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association, and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. WorldPoints, the WorldPoints design and Platinum Plus are registered trademarks of FIA Card Services, N.A. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. All other company and product names and logos are the property of others and their use does not imply endorsement of, or an association with, the WorldPoints program. ©2008 Bank of America Corporation T-709149-092107 BAD-02-08-10988 Top education official impressed by QEIA I t was a federal fact-finding mission with a lot at stake for at-risk students when Jo Anderson Jr. visited California. Anderson is and fair accountability for results — all hall- marks of the QEIA program. Anderson agreed that no other state has made this kind of sustained commitment to helping persis- tently low-achieving schools. “From what I’ve seen and read,” Anderson said, “there are a number of themes [in the QEIA program] that are nationally recog- nized that are key to improving instruction with schools that have high poverty impact- ing the kids.” He praised the “remarkable” long-term nature of the program and the amount of funding involved, but was con- cerned that the state budget crisis might un- dermine some progress. Teachers, parents and administrators BAD-02-08-10988.CTA 2/7/08 12:00 PM Page 1**nbkjy5z�**Users:nbkjy5z:Desktop: spoke passionately about the positive results from QEIA resources providing smaller classes, more collegiality and trust, and local input for developing better professional development for educators. The program’s flexibility supports the use of professional learning communities, where teachers at above: Jo Anderson Jr., a senior adviser to U.S Education Secretary Arne Duncan, shakes the hand of teacher Renee Manrique as he tours Oakland schools. QEIA schools craft different methods of col- laborating and supporting one another. In Oakland, Anderson met with several teachers at high-poverty schools and listened to their success stories. He shook the hand of Oakland Unified teacher Renee Manrique as her colleague David Norris explained what was going on in his vibrant fourth-grade classroom at ACORN Woodland Elementa- ry, a new school in a high-crime area. This school’s strong parental involvement and smaller class sizes made possible by QEIA have translated into a strong Academ- ic Performance Index (API) score of 807 in a high-risk student population. Anderson also met with teachers at Oak- land’s New Highland Academy, where the API score rose 100 points in two years to 735. En- richment classes help students thrive, and mu- sic teacher Jean Cameron White told Anderson that, thanks to QEIA, the school’s success has “restored my faith in what a school can be.” Anderson ended his tour with visits to QEIA schools in Santa Ana (Fairhaven Elementary in Orange Unified), Fullerton (Va- lencia Park Elementary, Fullerton School District), and Anaheim (Sycamore Junior High School, Anaheim Union High School District). He said he will ask Secretary Duncan to tour QEIA schools as well. CTA representa- tives on the tour included Secretary-Treasur- er Gail Mendes, CTA Board members Eric Heins and Jim Rogers, and local chapter presidents and field staff. MIKE MYSLINSKI Parents say QEIA creates a school atmosphere that helps their children learn. Read more in the next magazine. 32 California Educator | APRIL 2011 CTA photo by Mike Myslinski