Success in our Schools

As educators, we are all united in a common goal, to foster an environment that allows our students, the future leaders of our communities, to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education (SJCOE) meets this goal by providing leadership and services to its 15 local school districts, more than 136,000 students, and nearly 7,000 teachers.

Each year our schools are held accountable for the success of all students. While the current trend is to measure that success through a variety of test scores, we strive to include social and emotional standards that truly make our young people complete. These immeasurable qualities that are instilled by our teachers make the difference not only within our SJCOE programs, but also within our partner school districts.

This year marks yet another year that San Joaquin County schools continue to move in the right direction in both areas. The average Academic Performance Index (API) score for local schools improves each year, which is a true testament that administrators’, teachers’, and students’ hard work and dedication are paying off. Our challenges, however, remain, even as our schools raise test scores. The schools within San Joaquin County continue to serve one of the most socially, ethnically, linguistically, and economically diverse student populations in California. We are proud to take on this challenge, and to truly commit to making sure that all students are prepared for the occupational path that they each choose.

While continued improvement through testing and assessment is needed to keep improving our scores, I believe that it is essential to provide applied learning opportunities for students. Thanks to events and opportunities like outdoor education, academic competitions such as Mock Trial or Science Olympiad, and applied learning obtained through a variety of career and technical education programs, our students have gained vital experiences that will only brighten their futures.

Through this annual report, I would like to introduce to you a few students whose stories will show you how hard work, determination, and a quality education have helped them become successful in some of San Joaquin County Office of Education’s largest programs. YouthBuild San Joaquin, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Venture Academy Charter School have all been arenas of sensational improvement and growth for these students. These student “snap-shots” are a representation of the many who succeed every day in our schools. Their growth and achievement cannot be measured simply through words, nor through test scores. This is why we have also developed a multimedia component to this year’s report.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading SJCOE’s 2006-2007 Annual Report. Working together, we can ensure a better education and brighter future for all of San Joaquin County’s students.