Candidate Q&A: Does SPUSD Put Too Much Pressure on Students?

and incumbents and are running for the two school board seats up in South Pasadena's November elections. (Click on each name to learn more about the candidate.)

We asked each candidate: Does put too much pressure on students to succeed?

Richard Sonner

We work hard to try to address each individual student's needs and challenge them to achieve up to their potential. I think we have high goals, but we work hard to help our students achieve those goals. For us to have the high academic success that we have had in such a diverse community suggests we are doing a lot that is right. We do challenge our students, but I don't view this as too much pressure.

Benjamin Figueroa

I do not feel that the school district places too much pressure on our students to succeed. However, I do feel there is a gap between the level of expectations of our district, state/federal agencies and the readiness/confidence of our students. It is this gap between expectations that creates this pressure not only on our kids, but also to our parents.

As parents, we need to work with the district to make sure that milestones for each grade level are met in order to instill educational preparation and academic confidence for our kids. For example, we need to prepare more students to be ready for enrollment in Pre-Algebra in the 6th grade. This will ensure successful completion of Geometry by the 8th grade and the opportunity for Advance Placement math courses at the high school.

In addition, we need better communication with our parents and students about grade standards and expectations to ensure that the right tools and enrichment opportunities are available both in the schools and at home.

Joe Loo

There is an equilibrium between a lax program that provides no challenges and a competitive, single-focus program that creates an unwanted stressful environment for students. At SPUSD, there is a deliberate practice to offer a curriculum that will allow students to be well-rounded by offering and maintaining programs in core academic subjects as well as arts, music, theater and sports.

Click here to read how candidates would maintain SPUSD's academic success.