Participation in high school sports was up nearly 6 percent between 2022–23 and 2023–24, according to an August report by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).
Author: Heather Kemp
Survey shows most adults trust public schools’ book choices
An August report from the Knight Foundation, Americans’ Views on Book Restrictions in U.S. Public Schools, found that while challenges and restrictions have increased “dramatically” since 2021, two-thirds of Americans oppose restrictions and are confident in public schools’ book selections.
New Trevor Project survey finds lack of access to mental health care for LGBTQ youth
Nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, according to The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People.
National Suicide Prevention Month: CSBA expert shares the effects of bullying and cyberbullying
Research suggests that youth who experience bullying and/or cyberbullying may be more at risk for suicidal thoughts. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Angela Asch, CSBA principal research manager and author of the Safe Schools Toolkit section on bullying and cyberbullying, is sharing relevant insights and resources for local educational agencies in this Q&A.
CDC survey on youth risk behaviors shows increase in teens experiencing violence
A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention summarizes results from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and compares it to data from the last decade on topics including mental health, substance use, sexual behavior and experiences with violence, as well as new and emerging issues like social media use and housing instability.
Updates to school safety plan requirements
Recent changes to the state’s Education Code and legislative updates related to school safety were detailed during an Aug. 8 webinar hosted by the California Department of Education (CDE).
California rated one of the best states for teacher compensation and conditions
A state-by-state analysis of the factors influencing teacher shortages, teaching conditions that may impact supply and demand, and equitable access to well-qualified teachers was released by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) in late July. California’s overall attractiveness for teachers based on indicators considered was 3.7 out of 5.
CCEE launches new Statewide System of Support website
In addition to swearing in two new members, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence’s (CCEE) governing board received updates from staff on the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) and other initiatives at its Aug. 22 convening.
CDC finds differences in teen and parent perceptions of social-emotional supports
The latest national health statistics report, which reviewed perceived social and emotional support among teenagers, was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in July. Covering the timespan between July 2021 and December 2022, the report analyzed self-reported feelings of 12- to 17-year-olds, compared teens’ perspectives to those of parents and identified disparities in health and well-being outcomes depending on the level of support received.
NEA task force releases report on potential benefits, harms of AI in education
A new report by the National Education Association’s (NEA) Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in Education examines current and future roles of AI technology in preK-12 and higher education settings.











