Districts makes strides in bettering student outcomes through continuous improvement

Two California school districts in the process of shifting district structures, policies and culture are beginning to see a measurable effect on student outcomes, according to a recent report from the Policy Analysis for California Education. Led by California Education Partners (referred to in the […]

Identification of homeless youth is vital as housing instability increases

About 2,600 students experienced housing instability in San Mateo County — one of the wealthiest counties in California — between 2016 and 2019. As  rates of homelessness increase as a result of the pandemic, local educational agencies must improve identification efforts to ensure students receive […]

TikTok backlash highlights need to address digital literacy among students, families and policymakers

Last fall, local educational agencies throughout the country were inundated with news of rising youth misbehavior and mental health challenges linked to the social media app TikTok, which has become increasingly popular among children and teens. Stories of stolen and destroyed soap dispensers, mirrors, sinks […]

Youth impacted by COVID can benefit from comprehensive systems of care

On June 16, 2020, $14.3 million in ACEs Aware grants was awarded to 100 organizations across California to augment the work of the state’s ACEs Aware initiative. A Dec. 9, 2020 report, Roadmap for Resilience: The California Surgeon General’s Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Toxic […]

U.S. Department of Education officials highlight funding and partnership opportunities to address teacher shortages

States and K-12 and university systems must work together to bolster preparation efforts to address the teacher shortage, officials said during an April 7 webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Education (Education Department), which emphasized ways in which federal funding can be leveraged to […]

Experts say lack of screenings during pandemic left children with undiagnosed disabilities

With schools throughout the country back to in-person learning, the lack of screening to diagnose and provide supports for students with disabilities has become acutely apparent, according to an April 5 panel discussion hosted by Easterseals, a nonprofit that advocates for equity, inclusion and access […]

School staff report wanting to leave profession, citing violence from students and parents

Nearly half of teachers and a third of administrators said they are planning or want to quit or transfer jobs due to concerns about school climate and safety, according to a recent report from the American Psychological Association’s task force on violence against educators and […]

School facilities funding distribution is inequitable despite significant need

California’s K–12 school facilities require significant new and ongoing investments, but current funding streams are neither consistent nor equitable in ensuring all students have access to safe and effective learning environments, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California. The report […]

Schools play an important role in ACE screening for immigrant youth

On June 16, 2020, $14.3 million in ACEs Aware grants was awarded to 100 organizations across California to augment the work of the state’s ACEs Aware initiative. A Dec. 9, 2020 report, Roadmap for Resilience: The California Surgeon General’s Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Toxic […]

Education and advocacy leaders convene to discuss supports for immigrant youth and families

Californians Together hosted its annual Statewide Convening for the Support of Immigrant and Refugee Students virtually on Feb. 28 with leaders from school, professional and community organizations discussing resources and state-funded programs that address the needs of immigrant and refugee populations. Ruth Barajas, Californians Together […]