National school reopening summit emphasizes safety and collaboration

The U.S. Department of Education on March 24 hosted the National Safe School Reopening Summit, which presented three panels discussing different aspects of school reopening from both a scientific and boots-on-the-ground perspective from district representatives around the U.S., including San Diego County’s Cajon Valley Union […]

National data provides late snapshot of school reopening status

Data released March 24 by the U.S. Department of Education shows the majority of children nationwide were receiving some level of in-person instruction at the beginning of 2021, though a substantial number, predominantly youth of color, remained entirely in virtual learning. The survey — which […]

New brief spotlights funding sources to boost student mental health services

Student mental health challenges have been deeply exacerbated by the pandemic, and many state and local policymakers have acknowledged a need to implement strong mental health services to better support children. To aid in this effort, Education Commission of The States released a policy brief […]

CDC and CDPH updates physical distancing guidelines for students, youth sports rules revised

As has become the norm, this week brought more changes to the procedures educators and students are being asked to follow. The California Department of Public Health on March 20 updated its operational guidance for K-12 schools. The update recommends a new spacing standard for […]

Lawmakers announce Broadband for All Bond Act of 2022

California lawmakers, CSBA President-elect Dr. Susan Heredia and others announced March 23 a $10 billion general obligation bond that would expand public broadband infrastructure to address the digital divide and provide access to high-speed, affordable, reliable internet — targeting school districts and other institutions in […]

Legislative Action Week lets board members advocate virtually

More than 370 board members and superintendents representing school districts and county offices of education across the state came together March 15–19 for CSBA’s Legislative Action Week to meet with their state senators and assemblymembers — all from the comfort of their own homes and […]

School boards in action: 5 questions with Raymond Cheung, Arcadia USD

In the midst of a global pandemic, local educational agency boards have continued working to support programs and initiatives that offer students the academic and social-emotional opportunities they need — no matter which mode of instruction they are in. CSBA’s 5 questions series gives board […]

SBE approves Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum and pursuit of federal COVID student assessment waivers and flexibilities

The State Board of Education met virtually March 16–18 to discuss a number of big-ticket items that drew passionate debate from the public regarding the final adoption of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, waivers from federal assessment requirements and more. Board President Linda Darling-Hammond noted […]