Amidst a global pandemic and nationwide protests over the unjust murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions’ June 10 hearing, “COVID-19: Going Back to School Safely,” featured senators and education leaders discussing what is […]
Category: Coronavirus
New CSBA guidance for reopening schools addresses challenges faced by governance teams
As new information about COVID-19 and guidance for the reopening of schools in the 2020–21 academic year is released at a breakneck pace, CSBA has released a document that speaks directly to the needs of its members during this time. The Uncertain Road Ahead: Reopening […]
CCEE pivots focus to distance learning needs amid COVID-19 pandemic
Like all other parts of California’s public education system, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence had to quickly pivot its focus in March when the COVID-19 pandemic closed classrooms throughout the state and ushered in widespread distance learning. At the CCEE’s June 4 board meeting, […]
CDE releases guidebook as schools plan how to reopen campuses
The California Department of Education on Monday, June 8, released a 55-page document to guide local educational agencies in their planning and discussions on physically reopening schools. “What we’ve done is compiled, as best as we can, a ‘how to’ to how we can safely […]
State releases health and safety guidance for schools; funding needed for implementation
The California Department of Public Health on Friday, June 5, unveiled the administration’s health and safety guidelines and considerations as schools prepare to resume in-person instruction. Among the recommendations are that all staff and students be screened before entering school facilities and that staff use […]
Legislature agrees on budget that rejects K–12 education cuts, counts on federal aid
The Legislature on Wednesday unveiled a 2020–21 budget proposal that prioritizes education and rejects the $8.1 billion in cuts to Proposition 98 funding called for in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revision proposal, including the 10 percent reduction to the Local Control Funding Formula. The Senate […]
CCEE webinar offers distance learning needs, strategies for small districts
Weighing the digital divide and its particular challenges in rural areas lacking needed infrastructure, experts say a blend of analog and digital learning opportunities is one practical solution to engage students as the school year ends and summer offerings begin. Also strongly encouraged during a […]
Executive order temporarily suspends exam requirements for teacher candidates
Individuals enrolled in teacher preparation programs during the 2019–20 school year will be allowed to obtain their California preliminary credential without a teaching performance assessment, if they were unable to complete the requirement due to COVID-19 school and testing center closures. The relief for prospective […]
CSBA, Education Coalition caution that schools cannot safely reopen with current funding
CSBA joined administrators, business officials, educators, classified personnel and parents on Thursday as the Education Coalition urged California’s lawmakers to adopt a 2020–21 budget that provides sufficient funding to safely reopen schools this fall. Among other severe cuts, the May Revision slashes 10 percent from […]
National guidance provides considerations to jumpstart high school athletics
When student athletes return to campus in the fall, neither classrooms nor extracurricular activities will look the same. Under new guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations, social distancing must be taken into account, and high-contact sports may not return for some […]