Research-backed recommendations to support school safety

Providing students with safe and healthy learning environments is undoubtedly a priority for education leaders, but there are differing opinions on how to reach that goal. The Learning Policy Institute’s August report Safe Schools, Thriving Students: What We Know About Creating Safe and Supportive Schools […]

IQC suggests changes to local instructional materials adoption guidance

At the Sept. 20 meeting of the Instructional Quality Commission, members opted to push off a vote on approving proposed revisions to the “Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions” until November to allow for additional updates and another public comment period. First drafted in 1989, […]

Spark student civic engagement during September High School Voter Education Weeks

Per California Education Code, the last two weeks of September are designated as High School Voter Education Weeks, a time for teens to learn about and prepare to engage in the democratic process.   Schools are encouraged to partner with local county elections officials “to promote […]

A look at A-G course completion and strategies for improvement

A trio of resources recently published by Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) — a policy brief “Addressing Inequities in College Preparatory Course-Taking,” a report Inequality in Academic Preparation for College and a resource guide Insights and Strategies from Exemplar School Districts — provide local […]

CTC examines educator career pathway tools, prep program completion

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing discussed during its Aug. 24-25 meeting how a host of factors — including how a Supreme Court decision could impede equitable access to higher education; attacks on educators, academics and the rights of students; and state-level challenges around housing, […]

Benefits of including equity data in teachers’ professional development

Teachers’ participation in a data-driven professional development model aimed at building more equitable classrooms increased their likelihood of discussing race, gender and other social markers, according to the recent UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools brief, “Using Equity Data from Classrooms to Support Teacher […]

Supporting early childhood development through holistic public policy

Inequities in socioeconomic and daily living conditions can cause adverse outcomes for young people that persist through their lifetime, but early interventions can make a difference in K-12 achievement and adult life, according to the report Strengthening Early Childhood Health, Housing, Education, and Economic Well-Being […]