On Sept. 7, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to expand preschool opportunities for thousands of children from low-income families. Assembly Bill 172 authorizes half of the $100 million earmarked in the governor's budget for early education to help California's lowest-performing schools hire and train more teachers as well as develop literacy and outreach programs aimed at encouraging parents to read to their children.

While current enrollment in state-funded preschools is close to 100,000, the new law is expected to benefit an additional 12,000 children who are not yet enrolled in preschool. The other $50 million from the current budget will go to improving preschool facilities.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, The Achiever, October 2006

EDUCATION FACT

SCHOOLS ARE NO STRANGERS TO CRIME

In 1999-2000, 71 percent of public schools experienced one or more violent incidents, 20 percent experienced one or more serious violent incidents, 46 percent experienced one or more thefts, and 73 percent experienced another type of crime.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education

RESOURCES

MIDEAST CONFLICT TOPS AGENDA OF HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE

The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council's high school fall conference will focus on the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Students will explore the history that divides the Middle East region, and recent conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hawaii Tokai International College, 2241 Kapi'olani Blvd.

Fee: $5, which includes lunch. Parking is $2.

More information: Contact Natasha Chappel at 944-7759 or go to www.paachawaii.org/highschool/conferences.htm.

PAAC is a private, nonprofit organization that sponsors forums and conferences aimed at facilitating cross-cultural exchange.