New look at federal attendance data shows need for increased state support

Every state is experiencing a significant increase in high and extreme levels of chronic absenteeism across schools and districts, according to a nationwide analysis of 2021–22 federal data released Jan. 31 by Attendance Works and Johns Hopkins’ Everyone Graduates Center. About two-thirds of students attended […]

Lawmakers increasingly target cybersecurity threats in schools, report shows

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) unveiled its 2023 report on K-12 cybersecurity policy developments on Jan. 18, detailing the boom in state and federal education cybersecurity bills and laws that emerged last year. The comprehensive resource highlights notable policy ideas and trends, and offers […]

Experts highlight the role of schools in identifying human trafficking

What should you do when you suspect a child is being trafficked? A Jan. 31 webinar hosted by the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments sought to answer that question and provide educators with resources and guidance in navigating this sensitive topic. Throughout the […]

Increasing illicit opioid use among adults linked to increased suicide rates in youth

Rising youth suicide rates are partially tied to the opioid crisis that has disrupted home lives and caused trauma for children throughout the country, according to a recent study from the RAND Corporation. “While the use of illicit opioids did not increase among children, it […]

Improving TK programming will require better data

As California continues its push to expand access to transitional kindergarten, ensuring high-quality TK programming will require better data on early education, according to researchers at Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE). In January, PACE released a report identifying four promising practices observed during the […]

LEAs are working together to better support African American youth

The African American Student Success Network — a collaborative effort between the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) — initiated a professional learning network in 2017 to address disparities faced by African American students […]

Study outlines ways states can strengthen connection between agencies supporting young children

As state and federal leaders continue to push for expanded early learning opportunities, a new report details how state Medicaid agencies can partner with Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) agencies to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum people, infants […]

SDCOE’s suicide intervention toolkit helps schools support students and get them back on track

The San Diego County Office of Education’s Golden Bell Award-winning Policy to Practice: Suicide Intervention Toolkit provides local schools with protocols to support students experiencing suicidal ideation, and since its launch in 2019, has likely saved many lives. San Diego COE’s 16 school districts, 11 […]