One of the closest races this election is also one which is not receiving much attention: the State Superintendent of Public Education. As a (retired) teacher in Lake County, I have watched Mr. Torlakson”s performance over the past several years and must urge his reelection.
His opponent refers to himself as “the only candidate who cares about children.” This is patently false. Mr. Torlakson has stood up for
California schoolchildren in his quiet, effective manner over his entire term as State Supt. Of Public Education.
An example: last year, the federal Dept. of Education demanded that we test our kids not once, but twice, during the school year, once using the old standardized tests, and again using the Smarter Balance tests coming into use with the Common Core Standards. Mr. Torlakson refused to subject our students to twice the amount of testing, which would not only be a burden on the students, but also would reduce the instructional days by anywhere from 3-10 days. It was an unreasonable demand by the feds, who threatened to withhold funding from California schools if we did not bow down to their demands.
Mr. Torlakson stood up to them, even in the face of lost funding, and drew the line-only one set of tests would be given.
Months passed, with increasing threats coming from the federal government, until finally, they backed down and California – the state, the schools, and the children – won.
This did not happen with a lot of fanfare – that”s not who Mr. Torlakson is.
He is actually kind of shy in public and doesn”t seek a lot of attention. But he is a good superintendent and deserves to be reelected this year.
So please vote for Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Public Education.
Robert Hamilton, Finley
