A February report from the Learning Policy Institute studies the community school initiative in West Kern County to measure its impact on rural communities. While rural schools have advantages like close-knit communities, students and families also face challenges related to academic achievement, socioeconomic difficulties, administrative […]
Author: Kimberly Sellery
New initiative aims to promote civil discourse in classrooms
The results of a survey and study on civil discourse in middle and high schools led to the creation of the Or Initiative, which aims to develop evidence-based tools to help students engage civilly in contentious issues. The initiative focuses on two main principles: build digital skills to obtain a thorough knowledge base about complex and contentious issues, and to enhance civil discourse skills to communicate across different viewpoints with empathy, curiosity and respect.
Part two: CDE webinar shares district strategies for dealing with immigration enforcement activities
A webinar hosted by the California Department of Education (CDE) on Feb. 4 highlighted how some districts are working with community partners and families to create a culture of safety and belonging for immigrant students and families. “Including Immigrant Students and Families: Cultivating Community Partnership […]
Using summer programs to kickstart a successful school year
A January webinar hosted by Lavinia Partners — an education consulting firm that partners with local educational agencies to support teacher and leader development, strategic planning and summer learning — shared how to make the most of summer programming. Over the past five years, experts […]
Legislators and CSBA announce SOS for Student Achievement legislative package at Capitol press event
On March 17, Assemblymembers Darshana Patel (D-San Diego), Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy) and Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) joined CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy, CSBA President Dr. Debra Schade and Hope Elementary School District Superintendent Melanie Matta at the Capitol to unveil the SOS for Student Achievement: Close the state accountability gap campaign and related legislation to improve overall student performance, close achievement gaps and establish comprehensive state-level support for local school districts and county offices of education.
California improves ranking in all measures of school finance
Education Law Center’s Making the Grade report is an annual overview of school finance in the United States. The current report presents a picture of school funding in the 2022–23 school year, the most recent data available. The report provides a comparative analysis of the […]
Stockton USD aims to improve support for African American students
Black History Month is a time to focus on student achievement and supports for this student population Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) has prioritized a goal based on community engagement and parent advisory council input to address historical inequities affecting African American students. The district […]
Commission on Teacher Credentialing moves forward extension of substitute time limits despite concern from the field
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) on Feb. 12-13 discussed the extension of substitute teaching time limits; revised Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) standards and the new TPA Pass Rate Identification Framework; supplementary and subject matter authorizations; and received presentations on two annual reports. CTC […]
2026 children’s report card finds California earns a C average in education
The 2026 California Children’s Report Card, developed by Children Now, is a comprehensive report on children’s well-being in the state. It grades the state on its ability to support better outcomes for kids, from prenatal to age 26, across 30 key children’s issues, including health, […]
CDE webinar shares district strategies for dealing with immigration enforcement activities
A webinar hosted by the California Department of Education (CDE) on Feb. 4 highlighted how some districts are working with community partners and families to create a culture of safety and belonging for immigrant students and families. “Including Immigrant Students and Families: Cultivating Community Partnership […]










