Larkspur-Corte Madera SD takes a holistic approach to edtech bolstered by staff, student and family engagement

The start to the 2026–27 school year in Larkspur-Corte Madera School District (LCMSD) looked a bit different than prior years. The first two weeks were device free in the K-8 district, which serves about 1,200 students in the Bay Area. Each grade level received six lessons focused on digital citizenship and wellness created by Common Sense Media. Educators focused on creating a positive classroom climate and culture, setting expectations for technology use and how to work and engage with one another.

New research shows continued achievement gaps for youth experiencing homelessness, offers recommendations to support stronger outcomes

New research from the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools documents persistent disparities in academic achievement, graduation, attendance and school discipline, as well as substantial racial and geographic disparities among children who experience homelessness.

Webinar highlights how improving family engagement among students experiencing homelessness can improve attendance

Research has long shown that strong family engagement at schools can improve student achievement and help combat chronic absence, but for the more than 1.5 million students experiencing homelessness, it’s even more crucial to helping children reach graduation.

Research paper identifies best practices for school closures

A recent research paper by the National Demographics Corporation, a CSBA Business Affiliate, outlines best practices for closing schools in response to factors like declining enrollment, underused facilities, staffing challenges, aging campuses and tight budgets. “Closing Schools Without Breaking Trust: Best Practices for California School […]

New research looks at use of academic criteria in reclassifying English learners

Should academic criteria be used in the process of reclassifying multilingual/English learners (ML-ELs) as English proficient? The answer is not straightforward, according to research released Sept. 18 by the Brookings Institution. The study examined what happens to secondary school ML-ELs when a state brings academic content knowledge into the reclassification process.