Jason Freeman has more than 13 years of experience supporting formal and informal learning opportunities for underserved youth. Jason chose a career in education after seeing the inconsistency of opportunity available to young people in the post-segregation South. He has worked as a classroom teacher, a grant administrator, and a non-profit manager, consistently focused on improving education for all, particularly in science and mathematics. Jason’s wife Gretchen also works in education, and they have one daughter, Sydney, born in 2009.
I believe that public schools have the power to prepare every student for success in college, career, and citizenship. Your votes have provided our students with exemplary facilities in which to learn. We must now rise to the challenge of matching those buildings with exemplary learning opportunities. We can do this by:
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Building on proven examples of success from our own and other communities |
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Taking advantage of external resources and funding opportunities to equip our schools, teachers, and students for success |
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Embracing science and technology as tools to prepare our students for college and careers |
I have found many ways that these priorities can happen in our schools. Here are three examples from my own experience:
Community-School Partnerships
Children and youth spend only a small fraction of their lives in school. What happens before and after school and during the summer is just as important to their development. In order to support students beyond the classroom, our school district must partner with other government agencies, such as recreation, health, transportation, and law enforcement, and with non-profit organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCAs. By working together, we can ensure the highest level of service for youth while simultaneously using public funds more efficiently.
In my work, I have partnered with national leaders from organizations such as the Afterschool Alliance, the National Summer Learning Association, and the Coalition for Community Schools. Together, we have increased the level of service available to youth beyond the classroom – a strategy proven to improve their performance in the classroom as well. Click on the example below to read more about how community-school partnerships can benefit the students of West Contra Costa USD:
More Access to Science During and After School
Because both of her parents work in science education, my daughter will have opportunities to engage with science throughout her life. Every child deserves these same opportunities, but not every parent has the time or experience needed to help. Together, teachers and afterschool providers can offer students an informal setting to experience science that will later help them in their studies.
I have spent the past five years working to improve opportunities for students to engage in science and technology through afterschool programs. Afterschool provides a setting for students to “play with” science ideas – following their own interests and questions. These activities complement what happens in the school day, especially when teachers and afterschool providers work together. Click on the example below to read more about how science programs can benefit the students of West Contra Costa USD:
Linked Learning: Providing Pathways through School into College and Careers
California has placed a high priority on developing pathways linking school with student interests and job preparation, a strategy called Linked Learning. When students can see the connection between school and their future, they are more likely to graduate, enter college, and choose high-wage careers.
As the lead writer for the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) section of California’s Race to the Top application, I integrated Linked Learning concepts into the overall strategy to improve educational opportunity in the state. WCCUSD already offers some career academies in its high schools. As a board member, I will use my experience and expertise to expand these programs using resources already available from the state and private sources.
Click here to read Jason’s longer biography