Monthly Archives: May 2017

New research report shines light on school crime and safety

24 May
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school safety
All California students have a right to feel welcomed and be free from emotional and physical harm at their public schools. School safety is one of the most important elements to consider in order to ensure that an environment is conducive to learning. According to Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2016, a newly released research report from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, the last 20 years have seen a decline...

DeVos has turned attention to public education —  it’s up to school board members to keep it there

23 May
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by Vernon Billy Earlier this year, the confirmation hearings of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education was covered more exhaustively than any other education secretary in recent memory The curiosity surrounding the new education secretary demonstrated the deep interest and concern that Americans have about the policies and issues that can shape our education system. The American public recognizes the need to protect public schools and defend every American student’s fundamental right to a free, high-quality public education. Here...

Resources for Understanding the Experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander Students

17 May
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It does not take much detective work to run into the stereotype that Asian American students are high-achieving. For instance, popular national television shows often reinforce the link between Asian American identity and technically adroit academic excellence: the Indian American engineer, the Korean American doctor or the Chinese American student who belongs to his middle school’s A.V. club. Despite its prevalence in American culture, this “model minority” stereotype does not ring true for all students who identify as Asian American,...

Recognizing world-class teachers today for California Day of the Teacher

10 May
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Today, May 10, is the California Day of the Teacher, an annual celebration that takes place on every second Wednesday of May to applaud the instructors who enrich the lives of California’s 6.2 million public school students. According to the California Department of Education, California’s K-12 public schools are home to almost 300,000 teachers. “Research has shown that teachers are the most essential players in the public school system,” said CSBA President Susan Henry. “On this California Day of the...

Foster Youth in California’s Schools

5 May
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Until recently, the unique needs of California’s K-12 students in foster care were often overlooked. Recent research sponsored by the Stuart Foundation has shed new light on the challenges these students face. Board members are encouraged to view the CSBA Fact Sheet and short videos, and to share them. CSBA Resources     Video: “Not Invisible” (5/16/16)       Video: “What Boards Can Do” (5/18/16) Video: “Not Alone” (5/25/16   Governance Brief: Foster Youth: Supports for Success (5/16) Fact Sheet: Our Foster...