GAO reports detail array of issues related to COVID, segregation, restraint and seclusion

In a series of audits and letters published in recent weeks, the Government Accountability Office has called attention to concerns over the impacts of COVID-related learning loss and trauma, restraint and seclusion rates, and persistent segregation in schools along racial, ethnic and socioeconomic lines. The […]

Report calls for state support of schools in combating climate change

Climate change will have “increasingly severe impacts on early childhood and K‑12 education” — particularly from more frequent wildfires and extreme heat waves, according to a report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). “More frequent wildfires and extreme heat waves will increase the likelihood that […]

State Board lays the groundwork to finetune accountability indicators

The California State Board of Education’s July 13–14 meeting included board approval of another delay in the state’s mathematics framework timeline and action on an updated accountability reporting template, as well as a deep dive into the history of the state’s current accountability system and […]

County offices play a vital role in supporting community schools

With California forging ahead in the establishment and expansion of community schools statewide, county offices of education are poised to play a major role in the support of local educational agencies making these challenging but crucial shifts. Included in the state’s California Community Schools Partnership […]

Relationships among the most valuable tools in districts’ early COVID response

Strong relationships among leadership and stakeholders helped districts navigate challenges caused by COVID-19, the politicization of the pandemic and divided political beliefs, according to a new report from the Policy Analysis for California Education. Conducted during the first 14 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Crisis […]

Significant inroads made in addressing the digital divide, but progress is slowing

Gaps remain in broadband access among Californians, but the latest data show local, state and federal efforts to bridge the digital divide have made significant progress since the onset of the pandemic — especially among students. Two new fact sheets from the Public Policy Institute […]

Schools must consider student identities in addressing mental health challenges

With local educational agencies working to address youth mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, it is important that officials understand the role students’ identities play in their school experiences and mental well-being. During a June 9 panel discussion hosted by the California Department of […]

County offices of education are succeeding in expanding access to environmental learning

As the impacts of climate change continue to impact school communities, the physical health of children and their quality of life, it is critical that county offices of education take steps to promote education in environmental literacy, resiliency and sustainability, according to a report from […]