Marshall Tuck for education

Education in California is going through a period of change aimed at placing student learning at the center of the entire educational process. This is an important time that requires a person like Marshall Tuck in the post of State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Tuck ran the Green Dot charter public schools, which have a union, unlike other charters, and for six years led the nonprofit created by former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, which took control of 22 poorly performing schools. The schools under the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools showed slight improvements in graduation rates and test scores, while increasing parent involvement.

Tuck has also earned criticism from the teachers’ unions for questioning the educators’ job protection system, challenging the priority given to seniority when it comes to layoffs, and believing that student outcomes should be one of the factors used in teacher evaluations.

This viewpoint contrasts with that of the current school superintendent, Tom Torlakson, who, throughout his tenure, has supported and been supported by the unions.

Another contrast between the positions of Tuck and Torlakson is the “parent trigger” law that allows parents in low-performing schools to petition for a change in school leadership. Tuck supports this tool to empower parents, while Torlakson voted against it as a member of the state Assembly.

The state’s educational landscape includes new ingredients, such as the Common Core and additional funds for the poorest schools. It is important for whoever is in charge to keep students as the primary commitment and priority. Vote for Marshall Tuck.