As students around the country begin to return to in-person instruction during National Immunization Awareness Month, the Biden Administration kicked off new efforts to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations among youth ages 12 and older — one of the surest mitigation strategies to battle the virus and […]
Year: 2021
Orange County Board of Education forum denounces critical race theory, discusses ethnic studies
The Orange County Board of Education on July 27 hosted a forum exploring critical race theory, ethnic studies and concerns from the community about the topics. The forum featured five panelists who generally spoke against implementing specific ethnic studies courses in schools and denounced critical […]
Ethnic studies webinar dispels myths, discusses benefits
A panel of district leaders and subject matter experts met virtually July 21 to define ethnic studies, discuss California’s new model curriculum and dispel myths surrounding the topic, which has become a hot button — and often misunderstood — issue. Hosted by the Orange County […]
Ninth Circuit upholds closure of public schools during pandemic, but finds state infringed on rights of private school students
On July 23, 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a legal challenge to California’s decision to close public schools to in-person instruction and provide online distance learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the court reversed the lower court’s decision toward private […]
Vaccines and outdoor education key to reopening schools safely
Among the strategies highlighted by health and education experts during a July 29 webinar held by the California Department of Education to help local educational agencies safely return to in-person instruction, one was repeated throughout: “Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines — really important,” said Dr. Naomi Bardach, […]
California teens talk COVID-19 vaccine awareness
Eight teenagers from across California met virtually with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and two doctors on July 21 to discuss vaccine awareness and a safe return to schools. A “quick and easy” process, Thurmond mentioned that both of his teen daughters are […]
GAO reports progress and additional changes needed to support students
The U.S. Department of Education has made progress over the last year in raising awareness of the dangers of lead in drinking water in K-12 facilities and improved cybersecurity management, but several key priority areas remain in need of attention, according to a U.S. Government […]
Outdoor learning design guidelines for LEAs
A new guide can serve as inspiration both technically and artistically for local educational agencies interested in outdoor learning. Los Angeles County Office of Education released “Design Guidelines for Outdoor Learning Environments” in June. The document was created with support from HMC Architects and engineering […]
CDC recommends universal masking in schools in latest guidance update
As the delta variant of COVID-19 sweeps through areas of the United States with alarming speed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 27 released updated guidance recommending universal masking indoors in K-12 schools — regardless of vaccination status. In addition, the CDC […]
CSBA files objection to Proposition 98 certification
CSBA has long been at the forefront of protecting the Proposition 98 funding guarantee for public schools. To that end, CSBA has taken another step to ensure that school districts receive the full funding to which they are entitled by filing a letter with the […]