National Hispanic Heritage Month presents an opportunity for local educational agencies to evaluate how they engage Hispanic and Latino families and, as a result, boost student achievement. “In our schools, we must celebrate that families, too, have the power to spread the joy of learning. […]
Author: Alisha Kirby
State Board Report: SBE tackles complex issues as COVID complications linger
In a lot of ways, California is on the right track when it comes to navigating the pandemic, State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond said during the board’s Sept. 9 meeting, which covered changes to the state Local Control and Accountability Plan template, adoption […]
Survey finds shifting comfortability with in-person learning
The gap between white parents and Black and Hispanic parents in their comfortability with a return to in-person is narrowing slightly, according to a RAND Corporation survey released Aug. 18. The report, which details parents’ responses concerning school hesitancy and preferences for school COVID-19 safety […]
Schools need community support in mitigating the spread of COVID-19
Community collaboration with schools will be a crucial aspect in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and keeping children in classrooms this year, according to Yolo County and Davis Joint Unified School District leaders. In an Aug. 26 webinar, “Take 5 for Schools: Five Essential Steps […]
The pandemic’s full impact on students with disabilities remains a mystery
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education for all students, but those with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted according to new research from the Center on Reinventing Public Education. The findings come from a three-part series of reports from the center that also explore the pandemic’s effects […]
Document sheds light on the link between ACE screening and mandated reporting
New guidance from the California Department of Social Services, the California Department of Health Care Services and the Office of the California Surgeon General has been released clarifying the responsibilities of health care clinical teams who conduct screenings of youth for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) […]
ACT streamlines process for acquiring testing accommodations
Beginning with the 2021–22 school year, students who receive accommodations at their school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will automatically be eligible to receive the allowable testing accommodations when they register for the ACT with accommodations, […]
Teacher credentialing commission talks reading instruction, legislation and early learning
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing met Aug. 5–6 to discuss key items related to new Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) subtests, legislation and early learning. Noting the absence of CTC Chair Tine Sloane as a result of fire evacuation orders, the commission Executive Director […]
Ethnic studies webinar dispels myths, discusses benefits
A panel of district leaders and subject matter experts met virtually July 21 to define ethnic studies, discuss California’s new model curriculum and dispel myths surrounding the topic, which has become a hot button — and often misunderstood — issue. Hosted by the Orange County […]
Vaccines and outdoor education key to reopening schools safely
Among the strategies highlighted by health and education experts during a July 29 webinar held by the California Department of Education to help local educational agencies safely return to in-person instruction, one was repeated throughout: “Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines — really important,” said Dr. Naomi Bardach, […]