While large gaps persist in subject-specific training and credentials to teach STEM courses like physical sciences and computer science, the STEM teacher workforce in high-need schools has been surprisingly resilient despite increasing staffing pressures over the last three decades, according to new research from the […]
Legal update: 2024 Title IX regulations have been vacated
As explained in a previous issue of California School News, in April 2024 the Biden Administration issued new Title IX regulations effective Aug. 1, 2024. Among other things, these regulations made significant changes to Title IX sexual harassment procedures — such as those governing the […]
Scaling reform efforts requires buy-in at all levels
A new brief by Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) outlines the strategies used in partnership with California Education Partners (Ed Partners) aimed at improving student outcomes. Over the past four-years, 48 districts participated in an Ed Partners’ collaboration with the goal of improving student […]
Grass Valley SD’s work improving literacy highlighted in new brief
Over a three-year period beginning in 2020, Grass Valley School District, located in Nevada County, was able to implement strategies that improved literacy instruction and outcomes for students.
State Board kicks off 2025 covering accountability, curriculum and more
The California State Board of Education (SBE) began the new year by discussing various items related to accountability, curriculum, instructional materials and more during its Jan. 15 meeting. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond opened by recounting the devastation caused by the fires in […]
How states are working to address school principal pipeline and effectiveness
Research shows that school leaders play a pivotal role in school and student success, with effective principals boosting attendance, academic achievement and other educational outcomes. However, like the teacher pipeline, the staffing pipeline for principals is facing significant challenges. A recent policy snapshot released by […]
Business Affiliate post: What ever happened to high school driver’s education?
By CSBA Business Affiliate Coastline Academy For many, memories of driver’s education begin with scenes not from behind the wheel, but in a typical high school classroom. Often included as part of a health class sequence, driver’s education and training was once a mainstay of […]
Governor’s Department of Finance presents the January Budget Proposal for 2025–26
On Jan. 10, California’s Department of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw formally presented the Governor’s January Budget Proposal. A continuance of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s sneak peek presentation of his proposed budget on Jan. 6, the theme for the 2025–26 budget proposal is one of caution and […]
Report finds Native youth face disproportionate rates of discipline
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students nationwide often face disproportionately high rates of exclusionary discipline. A recent report from WestEd examines the negative consequences of exclusionary discipline; shares examples of how some states address problems of suspension and expulsion; and offers policymakers recommendations to […]
Research finds larger pay increases and better benefits key to boosting teacher retention
A nationally representative RAND survey of K-12 teachers found that providing significant pay increases and better benefits could help keep teachers in the classroom. Low pay is a top reason individuals consider leaving the profession and is a top source of job-related stress for one […]