RE: Welcome from Moderators

Hello.  I had the pleasure of working for more than a year with the Student Learning Working Group.  Together, we sought ways to ensure that all of California's education policies focus first and foremost on learners and learning.  Not just some learners, but all learners.  Not just some sort of learning, but learning that will stretch all California students' minds and spirits toward wonderful accomplishments as scholars, citizens, and productive contributors to California's economy.  To say the least, the task was not easy. Many forces conspire to keep things as they are.  We may not be happy with the status quo, but it is familiar and comfortable, and it supports the careers and interests of many adults.  Let's talk today about how to hold firm to the ambitious recommendations in the draft, even in the face of considerable political pressure to water them down.