Guidance aimed to help members navigate challenges caused by the pandemic As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the daily lives of students, families, teachers and staff, governance teams have been forced to make decisions based on rapidly evolving information from health officials […]
Author: Alisha Kirby
Student mental health services move online as counselors and teachers connect with children
With the implementation of distance learning in full swing in districts throughout the state, one of the many questions that remains is how to provide the mental health supports that so many California students have access to on campus — especially now, as many children […]
Mental health experts highlight need to connect with children despite school closures
Six students have died by suicide in the short time that California schools have been closed to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). State officials and mental health experts say it is vital to reach out to children and families likely to […]
Districts receive flexibility in providing schools meals to hungry students
Several waivers aimed at helping ease school meal distribution requirements were announced by United States Department of Agriculture officials on March 26 in an effort to ensure all children eligible for federal nutrition programs have access to meals they would normally receive in school despite […]
Study finds schools increasingly rely on and benefit from anonymous school safety tip lines
More than half of U.S. public middle and high schools operate a tip line aimed at increasing student safety, and more than three in four principals reported that tip lines made them more aware of overall safety issues at their schools, according to recent survey […]
Coronavirus update: California officials to provide ongoing guidance to LEAs dealing with COVID-19 closures
State education and health officials convened March 18 for a webinar meant to ease some concerns held by county and district leaders surrounding the long-term, widespread school closures caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Currently, more than 98 percent of the state’s […]
Board members share what they’ve learned in final meeting of CSBA Equity Network
Closing persistent opportunity gaps requires a commitment to educational equity. In summer 2018, CSBA launched an Equity Network with a grant from the Stuart Foundation, providing extensive support and professional development to board members across California on concepts related to educational equity. Topics addressed included […]
New guidance offers approaches to improve alternative schools and programs
Alternative schools typically have lower graduation rates than traditional campuses, are often expensive and challenging to operate, and rank lower on accountability measures than more conventional schools. However, researchers find that shifts in district and county office of education practices and policies can contribute to […]
Teachers need support as expectations on educators grow, study finds
Policymakers aiming to address an array of stubborn challenges in K-12 education can begin with improving teacher training and preparation; ensuring the equitable distribution of highly qualified, experienced teachers; and taking steps to diversify the educator workforce, according to new research. A new report from […]
Career technical education a growing priority for states, study shows
State policymakers across the country continue to make career technical education a priority, according to new research from Advance CTE, the Association for Career and Technical Education and the Education Commission of the States. The research found that roughly 60 more policies related to CTE […]