| UESF
member appointed to Teacher Credential Commission
Os-Maun
Rasul, Dean of Students at Philip and Sala Burton Academic
High School, greets students during his daily rounds. His
appointment by Governor Gray Davis to the California Commission
on Teacher Credentialing was confirmed by the State Senate
in September. |
Os-Maun Rasul,
Dean of Students at Philip and Sala Burton Academic High School
was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to serve on the California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing decides educational policy
in credential related areas; grants credentials; oversees the
fitness of individuals who hold credentials, imposing discipline
when necessary; and establishes standards for programs of professional
development.
“San Francisco has not had a representative on the Commission
since the mid-80s. There are distinct needs, challenges, and differences
in urban schools that should be represented on a statewide board,”
explains UESF President Dennis Kelly.
“It is important that the CCTC include the voice of practitioners
who hold pupil personnel credentials. As dean at a major urban
high school, Mr. Rasul can bring a different perspective on the
needs of schools,” Kelly adds.
The Commission is composed of 19 members – 14 gubernatorial
appointees, one designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
and four designees which represent the four segments of higher
education – UC, CSU, private and independent colleges, and
the Post-secondary Education Commission. Of the gubernatorial
nominees six must be teachers (three elementary; three secondary)
and one must be non-classroom certificated. Rasul has a pupil
personnel services credential.
Though having become an educator only seven years ago, he brings
a wide range of experience to the post. He’s worked as an
elementary school teacher and as a head counselor/dean of students
at the middle and high school levels. Rasul is a member of the
African-American Community Educational Advisory Board.
The CCTC’s central goal is to improve student achievement
across California by ensuring that those who teach in are academically
and professionally prepared. Though Rasul hopes that districts
throughout this state can attract and retain “highly-qualified”
teachers, he says he is especially concerned for districts in
urban areas where the need is so great. He believes that his experiences
in San Francisco have provided a lot of insight into what is needed
to reach urban students.
“I believe a critical examination of research models that
have proven successful must be considered for statewide adoption.
For example, the students of Kelso and Bennett-Kew Elemen-tary
Schools in the Inglewood Unified School District, consistently
score at the top of the state, and these are students from predominantly
low-income families,” Rasul says.
Rasul adds, “We should try to duplicate success stories
like this throughout the state. It is my sincere desire to help
California and the students of our state, return as one of the
nation’s best examples of public education.”
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