The condition of California's public school system is appalling! Recent results from the highly regarded National Assessment of Education Progress show that California is tied for last among the 50 states in eighth-grade reading and 44th in eighth-grade mathematics. Fourth-grade rankings are 45th in mathematics and 47th in reading.

Moreover, no student group fares well. Each of California's major subgroups (whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians) achieves below the national average for their subgroup. And, California has smaller percentages of very high achieving students than do most other states.

Not only do the basics suffer. Science achievement is close to the worst in the nation. California ranks among the lowest states in art and music teachers per student as well as in school counselors. Overall, school resources are among the lowest.

Finally, the resources, though pitiful, are unfairly distributed. Our lowest-income and minority students are less likely than other students to have experienced and certified teachers.

If our children are the future, such facts suggest that the future of the state is jeopardized. So is the present. What thoughtful business would want to remain or enter a state where the children of its managers and employees would suffer?

What can a governor do about this crisis? A first step is to set a clear and consistent goal. It should combine excellence and fairness. An example would be that "every child in California should receive an education that would prepare her or him to be successful in a state college." To accomplish such a goal will not be simple. There is no magic program or policy initiative.

Nor initially will there be extra funds to make improvement easier. It would be disastrous for the children, however, to reduce the already scarce resources in the schools.

Even without new resources, a great deal can be done. A few years ago California implemented standards that guide curriculum and instruction throughout the state. Standards-based reform in California seems to be working. Though still very low, achievement is rising, especially among African and Hispanic Americans. The state should stay the course with standards.

However, we know from research in other states that for standards-based reform to work well over time, state and local education agencies must provide systematic and coherent support to schools. This includes providing human and material resources, information and assistance to help insure that all students have the opportunity to meet the standards.

One step the governor can take is to reduce the requirements and noise coming from Sacramento. California education governance is a shambles with multiple, conflicting authorities, a body of highly specific and incoherent legislation, and an information system that cannot even accurately measure the dropout rate. The K-16 Master Plan, recently released by the Legislature, has proposals to address each of these problems.

Another short-term task is to turn more authority and extra resources over to schools to give them the chance to meet the needs of all of their students. We now hold principals and teachers accountable for reaching challenging standards, but we do not give them the means to accomplish this goal. We should also make sure that the accountability system is fair and that it provides productive incentives.

Fair treatment must accompany this partial devolution of authority. Williams vs. State of California is a statewide, class-action suit brought by civil rights lawyers on behalf of the children consigned to the worst schools in the state, now awaiting trial in San Francisco. The gross inequalities among schools in resources documented by the plaintiffs in the Williams suit must be addressed. As governor you have moved to settle this case. A rapid and productive settlement would provide a powerful message of your commitment to meet the needs of all students.

Over the next few years, as it becomes clear that California is serious about improving the education system and the budget crisis recedes, there will be an opportunity to address the issue of truly adequate resources. The Quality Education Commission, created last year by the Legislature, has the task of figuring out what resources would be needed for teachers to prepare all students to meet the state standards. If the commission is successful it will provide a blueprint for funding California schools. The administration and Legislature will need to be ready to act.

In short, Governor, you have an extraordinary opportunity to improve the life chances of millions and millions of students. Straighten out Sacramento, give principals and teachers greater authority, eliminate the great disparities in opportunity, and prepare the state to provide adequate resources. Just a walk in the meadow. The children will do the rest.

About the Writer

Marshall S. Smith is program director for education with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in Menlo Park.