Most high school graduates attend community colleges, PPIC finds

More than half of graduating high school students in California continue their academic careers at community colleges, making the ability to transfer between higher education institutions critical to attaining a four-year degree, according to the fact sheet “California’s Higher Education System,” released by the Public […]

How the state, districts can prepare for K-12 enrollment declines

With enrollment declines taking place in almost three-quarters of California school districts in the last five years and the trend expected to continue in the next decade, a report and corresponding brief published by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) in December explore factors […]

Black History Month spotlight: Lessons from Eastside Union SD’s Blueprint for Equity implementation

As Black History Month begins, the Eastside Union School District’s recent work to improve educational experiences and supports for Black students and their families, covered in a case study published by The Education Trust–West, can serve as an example for other local educational agencies. “Enacting […]

Report calls for national overhaul of social media ed, standards and more to support youth

A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls on social media companies, Congress, the U.S. Department of Education and others to minimize the harm of social media use on adolescents’ health while maximizing its benefits. “Many of our children have grown […]

California’s First Partner encourages LEAs to apply for Farm to School grant funds

California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom wrote the following letter to local educational agency leaders to inform them of opportunities available through the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program:   Dear California Superintendent and School Administrators, As a mom of four young kids and […]

Survey provides national snapshot of teacher attrition

As schools nationwide grapple with teacher shortages, recruiting and retaining educators remains a critical part of addressing students’ academic needs. According to the results from the Current Teacher and Former Teacher questionnaires of the 2021–22 Teacher Follow-up Survey, teacher attrition rates have remained steady. A […]

Communicating before, during and after a crisis: Expert tips for LEAs

A Jan. 23 CSBA webinar featured expert tips from local educational agency leaders on best practices for crisis communications before, during and after a safety incident. Whether handling a social media, email or other anonymous threat or the presence of a trespasser or suspicious object […]

IQC approves revisions to local instructional materials adoption guidance

The Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) met on Jan. 24 to consider recommendations on the revised Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions, determine various leadership and committee positions and approve 2024 goals. While convening on Jan. 23 for an orientation, four new commissioners appointed by the […]