New state board executive director has background in curriculum 

The state Board of Education has hired Catherine Barkett as its Executive Director. Most recently, Barkett has served as Vice President for Standards and Curriculum for the Houghton Mifflin Company. From 1977-99, she served in a variety of positions at the California Department of Education, including administrator of the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Office, where she reviewed and managed the state’s adoption of textbooks and other instructional materials in mathematics and language arts. She was also chief staff person for the Curriculum Development and Instructional Materials Commission, presiding over development of the current Mathematics Framework and Language Arts Framework.

She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of California, Los Angeles, and also holds a California Community College Teaching Credential.

The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the board.

“I am delighted that Cathy Barkett has agreed to serve in this important position with the state board,” said board President Ruth Green. “She has been thoroughly involved in California’s movement to high standards and expectations for all students, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in education policy, law and regulations.”