The State of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Education in California

Earlier today, California Assemblymember Mike Eng (49th District) and the University of California Asian American and Pacific Islander Policy Multicampus Research Program (UC AAPI Policy MRP) released a newly published report titled, The State of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Education in California.

One of the many reasons that make California special is the fact that it has the largest Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population in the union. California, of course, has the largest concentration of Filipinos outside the Philippines. Some of the findings of the report pertaining to Filipino Americans in California include:

• 20% of Filipino American students in CA are limited in English proficiency
• 6% of Filipino Americans are living in poverty
• 23% of Filipino Americans have college degrees (BA+)
  
• Of the California students who graduated high school in 2007-08, 3% identified themselves as Filipino
  
• In a 4-year period, 8.6% Filipino American students would drop out of school in grades 9-12
  
• Of all the Filipino American students enrolled in California public colleges and universities, 10% are in University of California (UC), 23% are in California State University (CSU), and the remainder are in California Community Colleges
• About 5% of all California Associate Degrees were awarded to Filipinos American students
• Filipinos alone were awarded 4.5% of Bachelor’s Degrees by the University of California
  
• Less than 1% of school administrators in California are Filipino
• 1.5% of teachers in California are Filipino
• The largest proportions of Asian and Filipino personnel are Classified Professional (12% Asian, 4% Filipino) and Classified Support (9% Asian, 3% Filipino)
  

This report highlights the achievements and challenges of Filipino Americans and other Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander subgroups in public K-12 schools and public post-secondary education, and provides recommendations for policymakers and community advocates. Whether you are a student, parent or educator, of Filipino ancestry or not, the topic couldn't be more important and timely. There has been increasing attention at the federal and state level on the performance of schools and colleges/universities in preparing California's youth for participation in an information-driven economy and in the nation's and state's democratic institutions. The complete report is available here.

CNN Profiles Filipino Teachers in Louisiana

The caption for this report reads, "CNN's Soledad O'Brien profiles teaches who came to Louisiana from the Philippines for teaching jobs and got scammed." The piece appeared in CNN.com on August 6, 2010.

Erick Mata Named Principal at Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School

Former FAEALA president Erick Mata is now the new principal at Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School. A veteran educator and administrator, Mr. Mata previously served as principal of Marina Del Rey Middle School. He taught at the renowned Downtown Business Magnet School, before assuming successive leadership positions as an instructional advisor at LAUSD's Division of Instruction and director in the district grants office. Returning back to the school site, he served as assistant principal at Emerson Middle School.

Located just east of the Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Center campus, near downtown Los Angeles, Orthopedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School opened in the fall of 2004, with an emphasis on health care and medical science. The school is relatively small compared to comprehensive high schools serving approximately 800 students who demonstrate interest in health science and medicine. As joint venture between LAUSD and Orthopaedic Hospital, the school provides students with an opportunity to learn in a highly enhanced curriculum. Its vision aims for students to broaden their interest and enter into the medical and biological science careers.

We at FAEALA congratulate Mr. Mata on his most recent appointment, our hats are off to you! We also extend our best wishes as you and your staff work towards helping all students achieve.

Pinoy Principal Appointed for Franklin High School

A big congratulations goes to Joseph Nacorda who was appointed to serve as principal of Benjamin Franklin High School beginning this fall. A long-time FAEALA member and a graduate of UCLA, Mr. Nacroda has served the students of Los Angeles in variety of positions: as a teacher and for the past nine years, as a school administrator. Prior to his appointment as principal, Mr. Nacorda was an assistant principal at Hollywood High School.

Located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, Franklin HS is one of the over 60 comprehensive high schools in Los Angeles. It first opened its doors in 1916 with 225 students. Today, Franklin serves approximately 2,500 students and is at the forefront of school reform offering small learning communities (SLCs) to its students which includes: Health & Human Services, Arroyo Seco (formerly Transportation Academy), Academy of American Studies, Media & Graphic Arts (aka MEGA), Academy of Business & Sports Science (aka ABSS), and Math & Science Magnet.

FAEALA recognizes the significance of Mr. Nacorda's most recent accomplishment and wish him nothing but the best in the days, months and years to come!

Membership Drive 2010

In an effort to sustain our ability to provide quality service and increase membership, FAEALA is conducting a membership drive for 2010. As a supporter and friend of FAEALA, we are asking that you join us and become a new member. For those of you who have joined us in the past, now is the time to renew your membership. An online membership form is now available for your convenience.

As you know, there are a number of reason to join the FAEALA. Here are just a few:

• Get connected and access an extensive network for educators. FAEALA functions provide opportunities to meet other educators, build relationships and discuss common interests.
  
• Discover great resources. FAEALA offers a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of educators, parents as well as students.
• Watch yourself grow with personalized professional development opportunities.
  
• Help others by volunteering your time and expertise; gain valuable experiences and provide an opportunity to put your skills to good use for a good cause.
• FAEALA is a forum for exchanging ideas where you are encouraged to safely participate and be heard.
• By getting involved, you will be an important part of the solution and help make positive changes.

FAEALA is a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Membership dues are generally tax-deductible. Nearly all of our financial support comes from the generosity of members and we are most grateful for your past and current support!

(Please feel free to forward this email as you see appropriate. Thank you.)