Growing rates of dual enrollment participation have stagnated since the pandemic

Statewide efforts to increase rates of dual enrollment participation among high school students were paying off prior to the pandemic, but have stalled since students returned to in-person instruction, according to a recent breakdown from Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE). Focused on dual enrollment […]

Assessing 2023–24 CAASPP scores and achievement gaps

The California Department of Education recently released the results of the 2023–24 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This is the fourth release since the state lifted testing requirements during the pandemic. CDE celebrated these results because some student groups saw positive progress that outpaced statewide averages in math and English language arts. There was notable improvement in some areas, particularly for some groups of historically disadvantaged students in certain assessments. However, the statewide improvement was exceptionally modest, and achievement gaps across student groups remain consistent.

LEAs working to promote critical thinking often use student input

Critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration are among the skills students need to be successful in life after high school. To foster those skills, local educational agencies must cultivate deeper learning and encourage students to be active participants in their education — but that can be […]

Updated school facilities can have short- and long-term benefits for students

Upgrading school facilities can have financial, academic and environmental benefits, according to a new brief from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. At an average age of 50 years old, many public school buildings are in desperate need of renovations. As it stands, an estimated 53 percent have never gotten any major work done. Investing in infrastructure is essential to ensuring the best outcomes for students.

Commission on Teacher Credentialing examines preparation program participation

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing met on Oct. 17-18 to discuss the status of teacher preparation programs, move forward work on revised criteria for the state’s Child Development Permit and decide upon alternate assessment options for candidates that find themselves in between official reading […]

CSBA webinar shares preparation strategies for boards adopting new math instructional materials

Though the State Board of Education (SBE) won’t approve instructional materials for mathematics until November 2025, school districts can start preparing now for a seamless textbook adoption process that will be sure to meet local needs.

Academic recovery remains uneven, with gains higher in math than ELA

Evidence of academic recovery among students following COVID-19 pandemic disruptions has been mixed. According to a report released in September by the Brookings Institution, most data sources indicate small but promising signs of recovery in math and no widespread evidence of recovery in English language […]