Changes to special education processes announced by the Office of Administrative Hearings

Announced on April 15, 2020, and effective on the same date, the Office of Administrative Hearings will be conducting all mediations, prehearing conferences and due process hearings remotely, either through video conference or by telephone. All special education hearing rooms at OAH locations are closed […]

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 […]

Focus on outreach, health and data can help schools limit COVID-19 impacts

Education leaders and researchers alike have identified troubling projected outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread school closures: the large number of children who may “fall through the cracks” without their usual support systems and those students whose educational deficits may grow. Schools, however, can […]

Court of Appeals affirms requirement to exhaust IDEA administrative remedies in A.L. v. Clovis Unified School District

On March 18, 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Clovis Unified School District in A.L. v. Clovis Unified School District, affirming the lower court’s dismissal of claims against the district. In the case, a student filed claims of discrimination under […]

Existing board policy can aid in preparing and responding to emergencies: BP/AR 3516 – Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness Plan  

As districts and county offices of education navigate the daily-changing landscape of providing education to students while shelter-in-place orders are extended, leadership teams should look at their existing policies and plans that pertain to emergencies. Over the last few years, many local educational agencies have […]

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 […]

In wake of pandemic, local reserves can help stabilize districts in short term

The Legislative Analyst’s Office on April 5 released an update on state and school district reserves in light of the likelihood of vastly decreased revenues due to COVID-19 pandemic mitigation efforts. About 40 percent of California’s General Fund is dedicated to K-14 education. This money, […]