[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 83 (Thursday, June 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO DAY HIGUCHI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2002

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
educator and leader--my very good friend, Day Higuchi. On June 22, 
2002, Day will be honored at a luncheon held by his friends and 
colleagues to celebrate his thirty-two years of tireless work on behalf 
of the public schools of Los Angeles.
  While serving as President of United Teachers of Los Angeles, Day has 
also devised a number of new and innovative ways of teaching that can 
be used throughout the many subjects he has taught in his career--
science, drama, English and film making. He is recognized for his 
creativity and the unique manner in which he has continually refined 
his instructional methods, as he designed, then redesigned an 
innovative interdisciplinary team teaching program with three of his 
colleagues. Day has also improved instruction for students by creating 
school-to-career centers, increasing standards based instruction, and 
creating effective reading and math programs. In addition, he developed 
a system to improve teaching quality through internships for new 
teachers, and Professional Development Programs (PAR, NBC, ISCA, 
Education Advisory Committee, and Task Force on the Professional Work 
of Teachers).
  It is no wonder that I have long turned to him as a prime advisor on 
issues relating to education. He is a distinguished expert on improving 
the performance both of students and of teachers.
  Day's leadership within the United Teachers of Los Angeles has 
resulted in dramatic improvements in the working conditions of 
educators. He first served as Chapter Chair from 1973 to 1987, then 
moved on to become a member of the UTLA House of Representatives from 
1974 to 2003, the Board of Directors from 1984 to 1988, the Director of 
East Area from 1988 to 1991, the UTLA/American Federation of Teachers 
Vice-President from 1992 to 1997, and President from 1997 to 2003.
  Day's accomplishments as an advocate and leader are legion. He 
successfully fought for the rights of Union Members and for an increase 
in important benefits. He helped defeat the breakup of the Lomita 
district, negotiate raises averaging 23 percent, defeat propositions to 
silence labor, defeat the Draper initiative for vouchers and pass 
important school bonds measures.
  Day is a remarkable man who has been a great asset to the Los Angeles 
Unified School District. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to ask my 
colleagues to join with me in paying tribute to Day Higuchi, who has 
dedicated his life to our children and their education.

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