Quick Buzz Feed
California's top candidates for superintendent of public instruction discuss achievement gaps, AI concerns, LGBTQ+ protections, and more in virtual forums.
Candidates for California's superintendent of public instruction outlined strategies to address persistent achievement gaps in schools. Josh Newman proposed curriculum reform, ensuring competitive teacher salaries, and tackling chronic absenteeism. Al Muratsuchi highlighted the Local Control Funding Formula's impact and emphasized the need for quality early childhood education. Richard Barrera showcased San Diego Unified's success in significantly increasing A-G graduation rates for all students, including Black and Latino students.
The candidates discussed the implications of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Sonja Shaw voiced concerns about AI eroding critical thinking skills and called for more research. Nichelle Henderson advocated for teaching students to leverage AI for enhanced learning and future career preparation. Anthony Rendon suggested California follow New York's model of placing teachers "front and center" in discussions about integrating AI into the curriculum, ensuring administrators are not the sole decision-makers.
Candidates clashed over efforts to protect LGBTQ+ students, particularly regarding the SAFETY Act which prohibits districts from mandating disclosure of a student's sexual orientation or gender identity. Richard Barrera noted uneven protections across districts and highlighted San Diego Unified's partnership with Equality California. Sonja Shaw criticized Barrera for "putting money towards ideologies" and claimed LGBTQ+ groups are discriminatory, expressing concerns about safety in sports. Barrera countered by referencing a cyberbullying cease and desist notice against Shaw from a transgender athlete's mother, while Anthony Rendon strongly opposed Shaw's principles.
All candidates unanimously opposed Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to transfer the operation of the California Department of Education from the superintendent of public instruction to the governor and State Board of Education. They argued that this would undermine accountability, bypass voters, and be detrimental to both California's schools and democratic principles, as voters elect the superintendent for this role.