A panel of district leaders and subject matter experts met virtually July 21 to define ethnic studies, discuss California’s new model curriculum and dispel myths surrounding the topic, which has become a hot button — and often misunderstood — issue. Hosted by the Orange County […]
Category: equity
FAQs: Critical race theory
Once an obscure academic concept, the term critical race theory (CRT) has become a regular fixture in mainstream media and social media as well as local school board meetings. Many California school board trustees have asked CSBA for information on critical race theory to help […]
FAQs: Ethnic studies
Responding to requests from school board members statewide, CSBA has produced a pair of FAQs on two pressing topics: critical race theory and ethnic studies. As interest in ethnic studies and critical race theory builds, it is increasingly important for school trustees to have a […]
Superior court denies preliminary injunction in Cayla J. v. State of California
On June 15, 2021, the Alameda County Superior Court made its first ruling in Cayla J. v. State of California, denying a motion for preliminary injunction in a lawsuit alleging that California has failed to offer equal education to low-income students of color during the […]
Department of Education launches webinar series to address inequity in schools
The U.S. Department of Education is signaling that equity will be a priority under the Biden Administration, announcing the release of a new report highlighting the disparate impacts of COVID-19 on K-12 and postsecondary students in underserved communities, the release of Maintenance of Equity guidance […]
Pride Month roundup: How districts are celebrating
In honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, which served as a tipping point in the Gay Liberation Movement, Pride Month is celebrated every June in the U.S. The monthlong celebration supports the LGBTQ+ community and helps spread awareness of the contributions of LGBTQ+ […]
Supporting LGBTQ youth extends beyond Pride Month
In a classroom combining first- and second-graders in San Diego, California, a child began the pre-pandemic school year with short hair, sporting jeans and T-shirts similar to all the boys in class. Over the course of the year, the child grew their hair long and […]
Outdoor learning could help safely return students to campuses
Founding members of the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative discussed how outside spaces can be used for safe instruction and benefit students as they return to campuses during a two-part webinar series on April 15 and 28 sponsored by the California Department of Education. At […]
Controversial mathematics framework moves forward
Revising California’s Mathematics Framework is proving to be a controversial process. The framework is meant to set guidance for local districts to make the best possible choices for their students based on research and best practices in mathematics education, Brian Lindaman, one of its writers, […]
Federal committee reviews special education challenges and next steps
A May 6 convening of the House Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee provided experts the opportunity to explain several steps Congress can take to help schools meet the needs of students with disabilities moving forward. The barriers to quality education for students with […]