This Weekly Update provides members with the latest news from the association as well as important education-related developments. CSBA was recently the subject of a malicious cyberattack resulting in outages to some internal systems, including the primary CSBA website, training registration and email marketing systems. […]
Statement from CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy calls for reciprocal accountability after release of California’s 2026 student assessment results
“California’s students, educators and school leaders deserve recognition for the gains reflected in this year’s test scores, particularly the progress demonstrated by students who have historically been underserved by our education system. But we cannot confuse modest improvement with meaningful, sustained and impactful progress.”
Hispanic Heritage Month spotlight: 80-year anniversary of landmark California desegregation case
In the 1940s, more than 70 percent of all Mexican American students in California attended “separate but equal” schools, but one court case changed that: Mendez v. Westminster (1946). Appalled that their three children — who were all fluent in English — were not permitted […]
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.
California School News Weekly Update: October 9, 2026
This Weekly Update provides members with the latest news from the association as well as important education-related developments. CSBA was recently the subject of a malicious cyberattack resulting in outages to some internal systems, including the primary CSBA website, training registration and email marketing systems. […]
Immediate college enrollment rate remains steady among high school graduates
There were minimal changes in the rates of high school seniors who enrolled in college immediately after graduation (the following fall) between 2024 and 2025, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s 14th annual High School Benchmarks report.
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 […]
State-level strategies to help districts address facilities issues
In 2024–25, roughly one in five districts (19 percent) had to cancel school days due to facilities issues, impacting 2 million students, according to a September report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).