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 […]
Author: Heather Kemp
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, […]
Teacher shortage data by state
Schoolaroo’s August report The U.S Teacher Shortage 2023: A State by State Breakdown offers a glimpse into the scarcity of educators across the nation. “At the heart of our society lies the invaluable teaching profession — entrusted with nurturing the educational journey of our youngest […]
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 […]
Resources to support student health, attendance this school year
It’s widely recognized that students are more likely to show up to school when they feel safe, connected and supported, but how can educators make those conditions a reality? A variety of resources and strategies available to assist local educational agencies in their attempts to […]
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 […]
Ways to support teachers in the new school year
Most attendees of Education Week’s Aug. 17 webinar, “Start the School Year Strong: How K-12 Leaders Can Create Thriving Schools for Teachers and Staff,” said they were very optimistic for the 2023–34 academic year to begin. That is consistent with results from a survey the […]
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 […]