Introduction

Hello all - Briefly, my name is Joanna De Sa, I work with the City of San Jose's Environmental Services Department as an Analyst II.  I was schooled in California from 1966 through 1976, and have just completed my BA (finally) at San Jose State University.  My background includes public service for over 18 years (2 different municipalities 3000 miles apart), with an interest in Environmental Education.  I am one of many within the Department who are a part of a Youth Watershed Education Team - additionally, I will starting a combined M.Ed/Multi-subject credential Program in the fall at SJSU, so, this Plan has some major implications on my future.

1. My hope, as with any plan, is that - once all the dust and discussion has settled - the Plan will be understood, and used by all who need to use it.  That will, in my estimation, require quite a bit of "give" on the front-end (that's this part here) so that all can give their ideas a fair "airing", and alot of organization throughout so that folks don't feel "left out" of the process altogether.  This Plan could become the framework for a cohesive, comprehensive philosophy whose tactics are played out at the local school, district, region and state-wide level without confusion or, worse yet, competition.  

2. As to influence - I believe a Plan that has been "agreed to" by as many stakeholders as possible can have HUGE ramifications on the future of California's educational system and its students and teachers. Taking a plan from the state level down to the classroom will be a massive undertaking, but, if it's accomplished to the degree that teachers understand the philosophy and tactics being presented in the Plan, it will have an impact as yet unseen in the United States.

3. Accountability - such an interesting word - defined as "answerability", "responsibility" and/or "liability" brings with it a myriad of feelings.  One thing that must be remembered if we are to banter this term about is that is "goes both ways."  Those who create the Plan MUST make sure that all who will be affected by it KNOW about what they are accountable for!
Without clear, honest communication and commitment to continued communication, accountability in the context of the Plan will become yet another issue to beat teachers, and students over the head with.  On the other side, accountability must be demanded by all who have a hand in teaching the children of California.  

4. The public is every parent, every teacher, every student, every adult in California...so, with that in mind, the "public" has a huge influence on the Plan's success!  It is at this stage of the process that you will find out if you were successful in communicating and being communicated with - they will either be your partners in the process or they will have abandoned the process long ago - which will not bode well for the Plan.