Lawmakers increasingly target cybersecurity threats in schools, report shows

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) unveiled its 2023 report on K-12 cybersecurity policy developments on Jan. 18, detailing the boom in state and federal education cybersecurity bills and laws that emerged last year. The comprehensive resource highlights notable policy ideas and trends, and offers […]

Experts highlight the role of schools in identifying human trafficking

What should you do when you suspect a child is being trafficked? A Jan. 31 webinar hosted by the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments sought to answer that question and provide educators with resources and guidance in navigating this sensitive topic. Throughout the […]

Department of Finance releases proposed 2024–25 Prop 98 budget trailer bill language

The Department of Finance (DOF) released anticipated trailer bill language on Feb. 15 outlining Gov. Gavin Newsom’s January Proposition 98 proposal. The proposal provides greater detail on the nuances of the mechanisms the administration intends to employ relating to the minimum funding guarantee as prescribed […]

LAO gives special budget presentation to CSBA Superintendent Council

A special presentation on the 2024–25 state budget from the Legislative Analyst’s Office highlighted the Feb. 15 meeting of CSBA’s Superintendents Council. The convening also featured analysis of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) updates and reporting requirements, revenue options to support increased […]

Federal edtech plan serves as a call to action for closing digital divides

The U.S. Department of Education recently published its 2024 National Educational Technology Plan, A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides.. The plan, which was first released in 1994 and most recently updated in 2016, frames the three divides the […]

California introduces free behavioral health apps for families, young people

A duo of free web- and app-based tools offering families with children or young adults ages 0-25 one-on-one sessions with live wellness coaches, wellness exercises, a library of multimedia resources and access to peer communities moderated by trained behavioral health professionals, were launched by the […]

Increasing illicit opioid use among adults linked to increased suicide rates in youth

Rising youth suicide rates are partially tied to the opioid crisis that has disrupted home lives and caused trauma for children throughout the country, according to a recent study from the RAND Corporation. “While the use of illicit opioids did not increase among children, it […]

Improving TK programming will require better data

As California continues its push to expand access to transitional kindergarten, ensuring high-quality TK programming will require better data on early education, according to researchers at Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE). In January, PACE released a report identifying four promising practices observed during the […]