Advanced learner support in the Berkeley Unified School District (as of 2016-17)
General BUSD administration contacts:
Superintendent Dr. Evans has a background in advanced-learner education:
"During his 10-year tenure in San Diego he also served as a GATE teacher, a teacher coach, and a vice principal. [..] Throughout his career, Dr. Evans has focused extensively on curriculum and professional development. In San Diego, for example, he created the GATE curriculum for his classes." (Source)
“Q: Your focus seems to be supporting teachers, improving instruction throughout the District. Am I getting your gist?
A: Yes. I’ve always been fascinated with instruction - ever since my first teaching position at Silver Gate Elementary (San Diego), where I taught the 4th grade GATE class. It was a challenging class to teach. Though the students were two years ahead of grade level, their gifts varied wildly. I ended up having to write my own curriculum. I also had to learn how to differentiate and to motivate each student. The best strategy was to expose my students to different materials and watch what caught their attention. Later, I led the GATE teaching team, and organized a seminar to share what we had learned. Subsequently, I became a resource teacher, a curriculum teacher, and a program resource. It was excellent preparation for my career as an administrator, and why some might refer to me as an Instructional Superintendent.” (Source: Berkeley Times, Q&A, Dec 5, 2013)
BALSA has been meeting with Dr. Evans and Pat Saddler regularly since 2014.
BUSD's GATE presentation from the Oct 27, 2014, BALSA meeting
BUSD's previous GATE document (2012)
- Dr. Donald Evans, Superintendent
- Dr. Patricia Saddler, Director of Special Projects and Programs
- Pasquale Scuderi, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services
- Javetta Cleveland, Deputy Superintendent for Operational Services
- Debbi D'Angelo, Director of Evaluation & Assessment
- Michelle Sinclair, Coordinator of Professional Development
- Maggie Riddle, Director of Schools
Superintendent Dr. Evans has a background in advanced-learner education:
"During his 10-year tenure in San Diego he also served as a GATE teacher, a teacher coach, and a vice principal. [..] Throughout his career, Dr. Evans has focused extensively on curriculum and professional development. In San Diego, for example, he created the GATE curriculum for his classes." (Source)
“Q: Your focus seems to be supporting teachers, improving instruction throughout the District. Am I getting your gist?
A: Yes. I’ve always been fascinated with instruction - ever since my first teaching position at Silver Gate Elementary (San Diego), where I taught the 4th grade GATE class. It was a challenging class to teach. Though the students were two years ahead of grade level, their gifts varied wildly. I ended up having to write my own curriculum. I also had to learn how to differentiate and to motivate each student. The best strategy was to expose my students to different materials and watch what caught their attention. Later, I led the GATE teaching team, and organized a seminar to share what we had learned. Subsequently, I became a resource teacher, a curriculum teacher, and a program resource. It was excellent preparation for my career as an administrator, and why some might refer to me as an Instructional Superintendent.” (Source: Berkeley Times, Q&A, Dec 5, 2013)
BALSA has been meeting with Dr. Evans and Pat Saddler regularly since 2014.
BUSD's GATE presentation from the Oct 27, 2014, BALSA meeting
BUSD's previous GATE document (2012)