(July 14, 2011) Two California Chamber of Commerce-supported bills that ensure high school graduates are adequately prepared to compete in and contribute to the global economy are moving through the Legislature.
SB 611 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento), in combination with SB 612, increases high school graduation rates, improves the college and workforce readiness of those graduates and trains teachers to better prepare California's students to compete in a global economy by emphasizing education programs that provide students with real-world experience and rigorous coursework to help them engage and excel.
Specifically, SB 611 expands the mission of the University of California Curriculum Integrated Institute (UCII) to 
include developing, disseminating and promoting career-oriented, integrated academic and technical education courses. This type of coursework increases student engagement and performance by combining rigorous coursework with subjects and experiences students can relate to, and can apply to their future careers. In addition, the coursework developed as part of the program will ensure students are prepared to enter the University of California system upon graduation.
SB 612 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento) works through the California Subject Matter Projects, a proven teacher training program, expanding it to make sure tomorrow’s teachers are trained to deliver hands-on, integrated curriculum like that designed through the UCII.
Together, these bills will help elevate the quality of education in California, one of the primary goals of the CalChamber.
Key Votes
Both SB 611 and SB 612 passed the Assembly Education Committee, 7-2, on July 6.
Ayes: Ammiano (D-San Francisco), Brownley (D-Santa Monica), Buchanan (D-Alamo), Butler (D-Marina del Rey), Carter (D-Rialto), Eng (D-Monterey Park), Williams (D-Santa Barbara).
Noes: Norby (R-Fullerton), B. Gaines (R-Roseville).
Absent/Abstaining/Not Voting: Halderman (R-Fresno), Wagner (R-Irvine).
The bills will be considered next by the Assembly Appropriations Committee; no hearing date has been set yet.
Staff Contact: Mira Guertin