CSBA testifies before federal advisory committee on impact of immigration enforcement on California’s children

On Oct. 16, 2019, the California Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hosted a public meeting to hear testimony regarding the impact of federal immigration enforcement on California’s children. The committee was tasked with examining the impact of Immigration & Customs Enforcement […]

CEO’s note: The 2019–20 State Budget Act: A reflection of our values? Maybe …

By CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy While speaking about the release of his first state budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “I know it’s rote and cliché to say it’s a reflection of our values, but it is a reflection of our values.” […]

Resources can guide leaders through difficult decisions during wildfire season

A challenging combination of raging wildfires, poor air quality and planned power outages meant to prevent further fires has already led to myriad school closures up and down the Golden State this fall — with significant time left in the state’s wildfire season. California’s dynamic […]

Oakland Unified program for black males leads to positive results, key lessons

A decade-old program that provides targeted educational supports for African American males in the Oakland Unified School District has lowered dropout rates and increased graduation rates, new research finds. With a meaningful reduction of dropouts — 3.6 percentage points — My Brother’s Keeper? The Impact […]

New Laws for California Schools: AB 1666, 2020 Census info for schools

CSBA’s “New Laws for California Schools” series highlights new laws signed in 2019 affecting K-12 education. The What’s New for 2020 report on all new laws affecting education is available at www.csba.org/whatsnewfor2020. Assembly Bill 1666 (Reyes, D-San Bernardino) requires the California Complete Count – Census 2020 office […]

Federal funding to improve school-based mental health access for students

Roughly $71 million in new federal funding will be available to enhance school safety and improve student access to mental health resources, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced earlier this month. The money — allocated through four grants to schools, districts and county offices […]

Study shows importance of helping children understand different social identities

The results of a recent nationwide survey show that many teachers believe different social and demographic identities have an impact on children’s success in school, but far fewer feel comfortable discussing these in the classroom. Researchers from NORC at the University of Chicago and Sesame […]

Education conference highlights need for funding, better data

The “Birth to Twelfth Grade Water Cooler Conference: Building a Shared California for All Students” brought together experts from across the educational spectrum to support greater alignment across systems. Early childhood education and K-12 stakeholders from throughout California gathered in Sacramento on Oct. 14–15 to […]

With model curriculum process paused, expert panel discusses ethnic studies

Shelved due to its controversy amid an overwhelming amount of public interest and input, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Oct. 15 hosted a panel discussion on the next steps in the redevelopment and implementation of the Model Ethnic Studies Curriculum. The State […]

New Laws for California Schools: SB 223, administration of medical cannabis at school sites

CSBA’s “New Laws for California Schools” series highlights new laws signed in 2019 affecting K-12 education. New laws are effective Jan. 1, 2020, unless otherwise noted. The What’s New for 2020 report on all new laws affecting education is available at www.csba.org/whatsnewfor2020. Senate Bill 223 […]