Experts say lack of screenings during pandemic left children with undiagnosed disabilities

With schools throughout the country back to in-person learning, the lack of screening to diagnose and provide supports for students with disabilities has become acutely apparent, according to an April 5 panel discussion hosted by Easterseals, a nonprofit that advocates for equity, inclusion and access […]

School connectedness can lessen student depression, support student well-being

Recently released survey data of the nation’s high school students found that teens’ mental health continued a decline that began before the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey was administered from January through June 2021. More than one-third, or […]

School staff report wanting to leave profession, citing violence from students and parents

Nearly half of teachers and a third of administrators said they are planning or want to quit or transfer jobs due to concerns about school climate and safety, according to a recent report from the American Psychological Association’s task force on violence against educators and […]

New teacher credentials increase for the 10th year; ECE Specialist Credential prep moves forward

In its first in-person meeting since March 2020, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved sending to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature the report, “Teacher Supply in California, 2020–21,” and conducted a review of four key foundational components for establishing a PK-3 Early Childhood Education […]

CSBA examines UTK implementation considerations, insights in new policy brief and webinar

With local educational agencies preparing to create or expand transitional kindergarten offerings in the coming years, CSBA has developed a variety of resources to support these efforts. A new research and policy brief, “Advancing Universal Transitional Kindergarten — Questions for School Board Members,” a corresponding […]

School facilities funding distribution is inequitable despite significant need

California’s K–12 school facilities require significant new and ongoing investments, but current funding streams are neither consistent nor equitable in ensuring all students have access to safe and effective learning environments, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California. The report […]

Addressing students’ social-emotional needs is a top priority two years into pandemic, Thurmond says

The Public Policy Institute of California on March 29 hosted a virtual conversation with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on what lessons have emerged in K-12 education in the two years since the pandemic began. As California and the nation embrace a new, […]

California school leaders, researchers discuss impacts of declining enrollment

California is estimating a 9 percent drop in K-12 enrollment, with some counties experiencing double that amount, by 2030. To complicate the picture, other counties are expecting to see enrollment increase as much as 10 percent. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated the decreases, […]