The U.S. Department of Education hosted a webinar Sept. 6 to provide local educational agencies with examples of best practices, partnerships, tools, lessons learned and more in supporting newcomer students at the local level. That same day, the department issued a Dear Colleague Letter on […]
AB 370 could offer more pathways to State Seal of Biliteracy, simplify requirements for English learners
A piece of legislation that would offer more opportunities for California students to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy while leveling the playing field for English learners to attain the educational accomplishment is awaiting the Governor’s signature after passing in the Assembly and Senate earlier […]
California education leaders work to combat rising antisemitism through education and state initiatives
The California Department of Education on Aug. 23 hosted a roundtable discussion, Education to End Hate: Countering Antisemitism, with influential community and legislative leaders who are working to counter the current rise in antisemitism and hate-related crimes. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while […]
State actions will determine if BEAD program helps middle class families afford broadband
The federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides $42.45 billion to help states expand the availability of affordable high-speed internet — now an essential tool for education, employment and more. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the federal agency that administers BEAD, […]
Governor signs bill requiring compliance with the state’s inclusive education laws
On Sept. 25, the Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1078 (Jackson, D-Moreno Valley), which took effect immediately upon signing and will allow for complaints to be filed against local educational agencies that limit or prohibit the use of inclusive textbooks, instructional materials or school […]
George Brinsmead et al. v Elk Grove Unified School District et al
On Sept. 18, 2023, the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District of California issued its opinion reversing the Sacramento County Superior Court’s order of dismissal of a wrongful death complaint against Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD). The plaintiffs sued EGUSD for the […]
Humboldt COE is expanding its global partnership program
Humboldt County is known primarily for its Redwood National and State Parks, but education leaders are actively boosting the region’s profile as a key player in providing youth a “global education.” Since 2019, the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) has partnered with Taiwan to […]
Research-backed recommendations to support school safety
Providing students with safe and healthy learning environments is undoubtedly a priority for education leaders, but there are differing opinions on how to reach that goal. The Learning Policy Institute’s August report Safe Schools, Thriving Students: What We Know About Creating Safe and Supportive Schools […]
IQC suggests changes to local instructional materials adoption guidance
At the Sept. 20 meeting of the Instructional Quality Commission, members opted to push off a vote on approving proposed revisions to the “Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions” until November to allow for additional updates and another public comment period. First drafted in 1989, […]
Remote learning is benefiting some students
While remote learning during the pandemic had a negative impact on reading and math skills overall, demand for virtual instruction is strong among parents whose children experienced positive outcomes, according to new research from the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago. […]