DEMOCRATS FOR EDUCATION REFORM ENDORSES ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR
NEW YORK – Democrats for Education Reform, a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that don’t, today announced its endorsement of Antonio Villaraigosa for governor of California.
“Antonio is a true education progressive – the only candidate in this race who always puts kids first and who will fight for the change we need to improve our schools. That’s why he has our full support,” said Shavar Jeffries, President of Democrats for Education Reform. “As a former teacher, union organizer and mayor, Antonio has the right experience and his record of improving California schools speaks for itself. As mayor, he put student interests above all else, and as a result Los Angeles made the largest academic gains in the state and graduation rates improved significantly at the schools that needed the most help. California is a bellwether for our country and we are proud to support his candidacy because he stands for the changes to our education system that we need to give our children the public education they deserve – funding equity, high-quality public choice, and accountability for results.”
More on Antonio Villaraigosa’s Progressive Education Reform Credentials:
As Mayor, Villaraigosa sought mayoral control over Los Angeles’ schools and used his platform to take responsibility over a large subset of the city’s failing schools including those in South Los Angeles, Watts and East Los Angeles. During his tenure, graduation rates at these schools increased from 45 percent to 75 percent, and all are now College-Preparatory campuses – while in the process, making the largest academic gains in the state.
His education platform clearly outlines the reforms we support including putting students first, fixing school funding so that it is more equitable to students and schools that need it most, more access to high-quality school options, more accountability so that we know what is and isn’t working and can make better plans to close achievement gaps, and better teacher training so that more students receive the public education they deserve.
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