Two recent webinars hosted by the California Department of Education covered changes to independent study in adherence to Assembly Bill 130. A July 29 presentation by CDE Education Programs Consultant Elvia Gonzalez focused on requirements for the 2021–22 academic year and how new rules can […]
Author: Heather Kemp
How to use American Rescue Plan funds to improve school ventilation
On July 23, the U.S. Department of Education released a resource guide, “Improving Ventilation in Schools, Colleges, and Universities to Prevent COVID-19.” With local educational agencies across the country preparing for a full return to in-person instruction for the 2021–22 school year, the document details […]
Keep classrooms open with free COVID testing program
The California Department of Public Health, through a partnership with Concentric by Ginkgo Bioworks, is providing a free, fully staffed COVID-19 pooled testing program to all K-12 public schools in the state. With the delta variant causing case numbers to rise, this tool to safeguard staff and students as they return to full, in-person […]
California teens talk COVID-19 vaccine awareness
Eight teenagers from across California met virtually with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and two doctors on July 21 to discuss vaccine awareness and a safe return to schools. A “quick and easy” process, Thurmond mentioned that both of his teen daughters are […]
Outdoor learning design guidelines for LEAs
A new guide can serve as inspiration both technically and artistically for local educational agencies interested in outdoor learning. Los Angeles County Office of Education released “Design Guidelines for Outdoor Learning Environments” in June. The document was created with support from HMC Architects and engineering […]
Cal OES on how schools can prepare for earthquakes, disasters
The California Office of Emergency Services has a number of tools available to help local educational agencies and schools keep staff and students safe should an earthquake occur. Earthquake Warning California is the first statewide warning system available in the nation that can give residents […]
New report considers California’s homework gap
More than 1.6 million children across California did not have high-speed internet access at home prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report. “Closing the Homework Gap in California” — released in June by the Alliance for Excellent Education, the Small School Districts’ […]
CCEE names new executive director; delivers end-of-year report
Matt Navo was named the next executive director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) during a June 24 Governing Board meeting. Navo is the Director of Systems Transformation for the Center for Prevention and Early Intervention and WestEd, a Governor appointee to the […]
California education leaders on supporting LGBTQ students
The California Department of Education hosted a webinar series during Pride Month on supporting LGBTQ students covering topics including free training and access to partnerships, California Education Code 218 and examples of schools and organizations working for change. During one of the events, State Superintendent […]
Peer connections can help students succeed, report finds
As the classic Beatles tune goes, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” To support students as they recover from the pandemic and beyond, a new report suggests educators endorse a similar sentiment and encourage peer connections as a tool for social-emotional […]