As the Experts See It . . .

The series in the Los Angeles Times during the past three days paints a disturbing picture of California’s public schools. But it is no surprise to California’s teachers. The difficulty comes in getting people to move beyond hand-wringing and finger-pointing into some real and concentrated action.

As The Times prepared its survey, the California Teachers Assn. launched a massive survey of its own--one that asked its members what they thought about education in this state and what they thought ought to be done about it. The CTA received more than 140,000 responses to a detailed questionnaire. Then, to validate the survey results, the CTA held more than 100 focus groups around the state and surveyed more than 800 teachers, parents and voters.

Our results agree with The Times’ survey in many respects. The performance of students is troubling--especially those in the crowded inner cities and those who do not speak English well.

The attitude of students contributes to the problem as much as their lack of skills. In our survey, recent high school graduates told us that teachers who hold students to high standards are the ones who are best helping them prepare for the future. However, teachers who want to hold students to high standards are often fighting a losing battle. This battle, along with low salaries and poor working conditions, leads to the high turnover rate among new teachers.

The CTA’s survey also revealed that the public’s trust in teachers is not misplaced. First and foremost, teachers want to teach and be effective teachers. Next, they want more control over decision-making at the site level. They want to have more input into the school curriculum and school budgets. And they want the training and support they need to be effective. Further, teachers are concerned with the number of teachers who are entering the classroom unprepared. Additional assistance for new teachers is essential, they say.

The Times is also correct about some of the basic causes of the problems. Funding in California, though it promises to be better this year, has been too low for too long. Classes, except those in kindergarten through third grade, are still the largest in the nation.

California ranks last in number of computers, in librarians and library resources, in guidance counselors, and in nurses. We don’t do much better in funding for each student, either, falling far below the national average.

What the Times survey does not include is a strong piece urging parents to get more involved in their children’s education. The CTA’s survey shows that both teachers and parents want parents to be involved.

What can be done? Along with the California Parent-Teachers Assn. and business groups such as the Silicon Valley Manufacturers Group, the CTA believes that the first step is setting standards for schools, just as they have been set for students. Here are a few of the steps that must be taken now:

* Make sure every student has textbooks in every subject that can be used at school and at home.

* Provide summer or intersession school and after-school programs for any student who does not meet grade level standards.

* Make sure that all classes have the equipment and ongoing supplies necessary to meet rigorous standards.

* Provide new teachers with support in the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment program or its equivalent.

* Allocate money to provide ongoing renovation and maintenance of buildings.

California’s teachers and the California Teachers Assn. pledge to work with anyone--parents, students, business leaders, legislators, and the public--to bring students the education they deserve.

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Lois Tinson is president of the California Teachers Assn. union.