By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Mrs. Messick is one of most effective teachers at Ripon High
Placeholder Image

Here is an additional story for the CLAD controversy in Ripon Unified School District.  It appears to me that the administration is playing “catch-up” on the back of a popular and effective teacher.

Cross-cultural Academic Development (CLAD) training and certification was offered by San Joaquin County Office of Education in the mid-’90s.  I took the training “just because” and qualified for the tidy little piece of paper that has had no influence on my teaching style or effectiveness.  I dutifully took the document copy to RUSD office, only to be told by the then-superintendent, “Oh, we don’t do that here.”  Upon my insistence, the office staff did add it to my professional file.

Point being:  As I understand, there is an obvious change of policy at RUSD, not necessarily because it is beneficial to students, but because of possible threat of lawsuit.  Since when did a little piece of paper (or lack of it) suddenly make a credentialed, experienced, effective teacher fit (or unfit) to teach?  I worked with Mrs. Messick for 15 years, at both elementary and secondary levels, helped with costume design, band at graduation and the Almond Festival.  

Our son played in the band, sang in the choir, and participated in drama.  She effectively has taught the love of music, drama and life lessons to generations of students during her 30-year tenure.  She encourages empathy, cooperation and camaraderie among totally diverse segments of the school population.  The most effective language acquisition method is total immersion, and she “immerses” her students.  She is one of the most effective teachers on the staff at Ripon High School.
Carla Escola, retired teacher
(Multiple Subject, Science, and Home Economics credentials CLAD certified)
June 16, 2010