Preparing teachers for the Next Generation Science Standards

Elementary school teachers from the Elk Grove Unified School District, in partnership with the Sacramento Area Science Project, gathered last summer for four days of intensive and interactive professional development around the California Next Generation Science Standards. The participants, joined on different days by administrators […]

Teaching credential, preparation program enrollment numbers continue climbing

Continuing a multi-year pattern, California saw a 3.1 percent increase in teaching credentials issued in fiscal year 2018–19, however, the state also witnessed a slight decrease in the number of fully credentialed teachers serving in its public schools. And for a state still grappling with […]

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 […]

Information for Schools on Responding to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Each day, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has a greater impact on our lives. Epidemiologists have indicated that the outbreak is accelerating and will likely be with us for some time. As stewards of a community’s most valuable resource — its children — school trustees have […]

Bilingual teacher development grant takes root in 10 districts

By Amy Boles, director of educational services at Oak Grove School District In November 2016, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 58, a state ballot initiative that creates more opportunities for students to become bilingual and biliterate. The measure passed with 73.5 percent of the vote […]

Financial aid report illustrates need for schools to boost student participation

With financial aid critical to many of California’s low-income youth and students of color seeking to attend college, a new report from the Education Trust–West finds that the students who would benefit the most are attending high schools with some of the lowest application completion […]

Audit finds state, LEAs not doing enough to identify and support students experiencing homelessness

A new report from the State Auditor finds local educational agencies are not doing enough to identify youths experiencing homelessness, in turn limiting the opportunities to support these students. The report cites that many of these shortcomings stem from the California Department of Education’s inadequate […]

CEO’s note: The 2019–20 State Budget Act: A reflection of our values? Maybe …

By CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy While speaking about the release of his first state budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “I know it’s rote and cliché to say it’s a reflection of our values, but it is a reflection of our values.” […]

Resources can guide leaders through difficult decisions during wildfire season

A challenging combination of raging wildfires, poor air quality and planned power outages meant to prevent further fires has already led to myriad school closures up and down the Golden State this fall — with significant time left in the state’s wildfire season. California’s dynamic […]

With model curriculum process paused, expert panel discusses ethnic studies

Shelved due to its controversy amid an overwhelming amount of public interest and input, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Oct. 15 hosted a panel discussion on the next steps in the redevelopment and implementation of the Model Ethnic Studies Curriculum. The State […]