Eighty-five percent of California schools considered in a recent study experienced tree canopy loss between 2018 and 2022.
California schools are losing tree canopy, study finds
Author: Heather Kemp
CSBA’s campaign to close the achievement gap is needed to support African American student success
In recognition of Black History Month, observed in February, CSBA Principal Research Manager Jeremy Anderson highlighted how the initiative, with proper implementation, will allow local educational agencies to better support African American students.
Recommendations to build a more diverse teacher workforce
A recent report and accompanying brief from the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) considers the experiences of teachers of color as the workforce’s diversity was stagnant at about 20 percent between 2018 to 2021. It also examines strategies to encourage more diversity in the field.
Data on youth mental health, substance use
Anxiety continues to be a common struggle for adolescents, according to the report Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Report calls out ‘unjust discipline’ among California students
In 2023–24, the most recent year considered, California students had an average of 10.7 days of lost instruction per 100 students enrolled due to out-of-school suspensions. For those in the foster care system, it was 76.7 days lost per 100 enrolled, for students experiencing homelessness it was 29.1 days lost and for students with disabilities, it was 23.4 days lost.
Fact sheet provides a detailed look at California’s student population
As 2026 begins, a new fact sheet published by the Public Policy Institute of California on California’s K-12 student population provides insights that can help inform local educational agencies on statewide trends.
Young Californians are attaining higher levels of education than prior generations
Young adults are staying in school longer and achieving higher levels of education, according to The Economic Milestones of Young Californians, a recent report from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).
Risk assessment finds AI chatbots aren’t good for addressing teens’ mental health
Common Sense Media’s recent risk assessment of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for supporting teens’ mental health concluded that overall, the tools pose an “unacceptable” risk as the likelihood of a harmful event occurring is too likely and the consequence of any harm caused is too high.
Insights on building family engagement
Strong family engagement at schools can support student achievement and help combat chronic absence. Yet, too often, parents are sidelined in their student’s education, according to Centering Families in the Future of Education: Insights and Perspectives from 10 Years of Research, a recent report from Learning Heroes.
Resources for School Board Recognition Month
School Board Recognition Month is observed annually in January and serves as a time to celebrate California’s more than 5,000 school district and county office of education trustees.