New guidance offers tips for virtual learning policy

Virtual learning wasn’t created to accommodate students during pandemic-related school closures, but with more students enrolled than ever before in virtual programs — and districts throughout the country considering making them a permanent option — it is critical that policymakers develop virtual school frameworks that […]

Student leaders demand to be heard at CSBA’s Annual Education Conference

Following a rousing performance by Alhambra Unified School District’s Mark Keppel High School all-male hip hop dance crew, as well as an address from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who spoke about ongoing literacy efforts and the integration of programs and strategies to […]

The benefits of police on campus must be weighed against drawbacks, report finds

The presence of police on school grounds helps with general safety by decreasing unarmed violent offenses like fights, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Albany and RAND Corporation, published by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University. However, that appears to […]

California needs more equitable access to computer science education, report says

Home to a robust technology industry that helps fuel the state’s economy, computer science (CS) education in K-12 schools is crucial to set the foundation for future workforce needs. According to “The California Computer Science Access Report,” published in September by the Kapor Center and […]

New guide offers LEAs best practices to improve foster youth outcomes

A new publication released this month from the Alliance for Children’s Rights shares the findings from a multiyear working group of California districts focused on improving educational outcomes for foster youth. “Best Practices Guide for Developing a District System to Improve Education Outcomes for Youth […]

CDE offers resources for handling students’ post-pandemic behavioral issues

The California Department of Education recently released guidelines to support local educational agencies grappling with an uptick in student misbehavior that emphasize counseling over suspension and other punitive discipline. After more than a year of social isolation and trauma, teachers, education officials and student advocates […]

The pandemic’s full impact on students with disabilities remains a mystery

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education for all students, but those with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted according to new research from the Center on Reinventing Public Education. The findings come from a three-part series of reports from the center that also explore the pandemic’s effects […]

ACT streamlines process for acquiring testing accommodations

Beginning with the 2021–22 school year, students who receive accommodations at their school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will automatically be eligible to receive the allowable testing accommodations when they register for the ACT with accommodations, […]

Orange County Board of Education forum denounces critical race theory, discusses ethnic studies

The Orange County Board of Education on July 27 hosted a forum exploring critical race theory, ethnic studies and concerns from the community about the topics. The forum featured five panelists who generally spoke against implementing specific ethnic studies courses in schools and denounced critical […]