SENATOR PRICE’S SB 789, TO EXPAND THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE (PSAA) ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PASSES THE SENATE 24-12

Sacramento – Legislation authored by Senator Curren D. Price, Jr.,(D-Los Angeles) that would expand the role and responsibility of The Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA) Advisory Committee to foster innovation in education, passed the Senate by 24-12 on Friday.

 SB 789 would require the already established Academic Performance Index Advisory Committee to consult with experts and make recommendations to the Superintendent of Public Instruction on the development of a Creative and Innovative Index by June 1, 2013.

Such an index would be used to rate public schools based on activities and practices that teach, encourage, and foster creativity in students.

The index would also provide information on the school as a whole, taking into consideration fiscal constraints, class and program availability.

 “There is growing recognition that our state’s economy will be driven by ideas and innovation,” said Senator Price. “Schools would be able to use this information to maximize their resources to best serve students effectively and efficiently.

“In a state where creativity and innovation have been so critical to our economic strength, SB 789 affirms our commitment that California remains a leader in forging a pathway to a successful future for all students,” he added.

"This legislation encourages schools to respond to that expectation by identifying ways in which creativity and innovation are being cultivated in students to prepare them for the opportunities and skills of the 21st century workforce. “

California is falling behind as states like Massachusetts and Oklahoma move  forward with a plan for a Creative and Innovative Index , Senator Price said. He cited an IBM survey of 1541 CEO’s that listed creativity as the number one leadership skill they look for in their employees.