Author: Heather Kemp

How LEAs can start to address dyscalculia

Similar to how dyslexia can make reading, writing or spelling difficult for individuals, dyscalculia causes challenges with understanding numbers and learning math concepts. The Center for Reinventing Public Education’s August brief “The Missing Piece in Math Reform: Identifying and Supporting Students with Dyscalculia” explains the learning disability, why it’s often overlooked by schools and considerations regarding identification, intervention and policy for local educational agencies, states and stakeholders.

Report looks at districts’ implementation of LGBTQ+ inclusive programs and policies

With roughly half a million LGBTQ+ students served by the state’s public schools, the Equality California Institute’s 2026 Safe & Supportive Schools Report Card offers a glimpse at school climate, policy, curriculum adoption and other measures as well as recommendations for improving conditions for this population.

Report highlights experiences of military-connected teens

In the past six months, 29 percent of military-connected teenagers and young adults who participated in a recent survey reported thoughts of self-harm and 16 percent harmed themselves at least once, according to The Military Teen Experience in 2026: A Data-Driven Understanding of Our Military-Connected Teens and How We Can Help. Seventeen percent reported some level of suicidal ideation.

Suicide Prevention Month: Safe and supportive peer relationships can help struggling students to open up

As Suicide Prevention Month is observed in September, programs like Laguna Beach High School’s Student Support Collective, a peer-led network aimed at promoting overall student well-being, highlight the importance that safe and supportive relationships can make for young people year-round.  

Where California districts stand on adopting and implementing K-8 math instructional materials

Eighty-one percent of California-based school districts were engaged in an adoption process of K-8 math instructional materials or expected to begin that process before the end of the 2027–28 academic year, according to a report published by the Glen Price Group in May. Of those districts, 64 percent were considered in the early phases of the process — developing a vision and plan, understanding of their needs and identifying evaluation options.

Research finds chronic absence must be addressed to improve academic recovery post-pandemic

One in four students missed at least one day of school every other week on average in 2022, with only moderate improvement occurring in the following two years, according to NWEA’s July brief “Chronic absenteeism: A continued impediment to academic recovery.” Students in high-poverty districts were absent even more often.

Immunization requirements for California students

National Immunization Awareness Month occurs each August, as families and school communities are busy gearing up for a new academic year and settling into the routines that will set them up for success. This preparation period offers the perfect opportunity for schools, as well as parents and guardians, to review student vaccination records, particularly at “check point” grades.