New brief spotlights funding sources to boost student mental health services

Student mental health challenges have been deeply exacerbated by the pandemic, and many state and local policymakers have acknowledged a need to implement strong mental health services to better support children. To aid in this effort, Education Commission of The States released a policy brief […]

CDC and CDPH updates physical distancing guidelines for students, youth sports rules revised

As has become the norm, this week brought more changes to the procedures educators and students are being asked to follow. The California Department of Public Health on March 20 updated its operational guidance for K-12 schools. The update recommends a new spacing standard for […]

Lawmakers announce Broadband for All Bond Act of 2022

California lawmakers, CSBA President-elect Dr. Susan Heredia and others announced March 23 a $10 billion general obligation bond that would expand public broadband infrastructure to address the digital divide and provide access to high-speed, affordable, reliable internet — targeting school districts and other institutions in […]

Legislative Action Week lets board members advocate virtually

More than 370 board members and superintendents representing school districts and county offices of education across the state came together March 15–19 for CSBA’s Legislative Action Week to meet with their state senators and assemblymembers — all from the comfort of their own homes and […]

School boards in action: 5 questions with Raymond Cheung, Arcadia USD

In the midst of a global pandemic, local educational agency boards have continued working to support programs and initiatives that offer students the academic and social-emotional opportunities they need — no matter which mode of instruction they are in. CSBA’s 5 questions series gives board […]

SBE approves Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum and pursuit of federal COVID student assessment waivers and flexibilities

The State Board of Education met virtually March 16–18 to discuss a number of big-ticket items that drew passionate debate from the public regarding the final adoption of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, waivers from federal assessment requirements and more. Board President Linda Darling-Hammond noted […]

Arts Education Month gives LEAs chance to reflect on how they use art to strengthen student connections

Scroll through El Monte City School District’s Facebook page and you’ll find students have recently visited the Getty Museum, put on choir performances, danced together and even learned how to pluck an entire song on the violin in complete unison.   March is Arts Education Month and while […]

San Diego court decision granting temporary reprieve from CDPH framework has statewide implications

On March 15, 2021, Superior Court Judge Cynthia A. Freeland issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in A.A. v. Newsom, et al, a lawsuit brought by several students against six school districts in San Diego County, Gov. Gavin Newsom and key members of his COVID-19 […]