Inspecting for Quality

California’s lowest-achieving schools are routinely visited by inspectors on the lookout for, among other things, inadequate textbook supplies, dirty drinking water, and evidence of vermin.

Pomona, Calif.

Omar Sepulveda steps quietly to the front of a science class at Ganesha High School and asks for the students’ attention. Holding up a thick textbook, he asks: “Does everyone have this book, Earth Science ? Does anyone not have this book? No one is going to get in trouble.” Most of the 30 or so students respond with a blank stare. A few nod their heads, affirming that they do have the text.

Finally, two students raise their hands.

Following the well-rehearsed procedure, Sepulveda takes the students’ names and pulls their teacher, Jennifer Watrous, over near the doorway for a few questions. “Is there any way we can take care of this right now?” he whispers. “We can’t leave until we see the books...