SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell issued the following statement in response to the release of "Education Watch," (Outside Source) a report by the Education Trust, Inc.:

"I appreciate the Education Trust, Inc.'s effort to highlight the areas where California schools are succeeding and where we still need to make significant improvement. This report makes clear that achievement gaps continue to exist that put at risk not only the futures of too many African American, Latino, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, but threaten the future well-being of our state. As I have consistently stated, it is imperative that all of us in California work in partnership to address this challenge.

"We know there are schools in California that are meeting the challenge of preparing all students to high academic levels. It will be my highest priority over the next four years to see these best practices of the best schools applied in every school for every student. We must do whatever it takes to ensure that all students have access to the instruction, support, facilities, and programs needed to achieve to their highest potential."