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 […]
Category: Coronavirus
Legislators, district administrators outline needs, goals to close the digital divide
Just hours after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 April 20 media briefing overwhelmingly focused on efforts to bridge the digital divide, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond welcomed legislators and representatives from internet service providers to the first meeting of the newly created Closing the […]
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 […]
President’s Message: Facing our greatest challenge together
By CSBA President Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez I am writing this message in a time of great uncertainty, not just for public education, but for our everyday lives as we face the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I want to commend my fellow trustees — as well as administrators, […]
Parents are stressed and looking for more support, especially for underserved students, new poll finds
Nearly 9 in 10 California parents are worried about their children falling behind academically due to coronavirus-related school closures, and 8 in 10 are experiencing heightened stress levels, according to a poll released on April 8 by the Education Trust–West. That said, the new statewide […]
CDE webinar shares insights, practices for special education during school closures
Of the myriad important issues facing California’s local educational agencies in their abrupt switch to distance learning, questions around serving students with special needs have come to the forefront. As LEAs address a number of legal issues, both the state and federal education departments have […]
Two district perspectives on COVID-19 closures for small and rural districts
Even before COVID-19 led to widespread and long-term school closures, California’s small and rural school districts faced extensive resource and educational gaps. Now, small and rural school districts must contend with specific challenges as they move to distance learning. Trustees and administrators in these communities […]
Key board policies for our moment of crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented crisis for school leaders trying to educate, feed and care for students from afar. While there are few easy solutions to today’s challenges, existing board policies can provide crucial tools for addressing these issues. This piece looks at some […]
UPDATE: Legislature’s recess extended to May 4; what that means for remainder of session, state budget process
On March 16, just after passing a package of $1 billion in funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic (which included $100 million for schools, equal to approximately $17.37 per average daily attendance that will be sent to local educational agencies in early April), the Legislature […]
Senators’ letter to Congress highlights need for dedicated funding for digital access in student homes
The sudden and extended closures of America’s schools have brought into the spotlight a persistent problem well known to education advocates: unequal access to both internet access and devices in student homes. Across the country, 12 million students do not have internet access at home. […]