Significant enrollment declines in K-12 schools nationwide have generated conversations around the repercussions they have for public education. According to federal data, K-12 public school enrollment declined 3 percent across the United States over the past year. In May, the California Department of Education released […]
Author: Kimberly Sellery
California launches student reading initiative
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was joined by various California education leaders on Sept. 21 to announce a literacy initiative for the state: By 2026, every child will learn to read by third grade. “We already know that when students learn to read, […]
Clarity on piggyback contracting
On July 7, California’s Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) sent an email blast to school districts and county offices of education regarding the use of “piggyback contracting” in school construction projects. The email reportedly caused confusion, but members should be aware that there has […]
Study on exclusionary discipline shows long-term negative effects on students
A new study from the American Institutes for Research examines the effects of the type and length of suspensions received by middle and high school students’ on their educational outcomes, their same-grade same-school peers’ educational outcomes and school climate. While an abundance of research has […]
Toolkit available to assess and plan for local literacy needs
The California Department of Education is partnering with California Educators Together to provide the Local Literacy Planning Toolkit, a set of resources designed to align the work of local educational agencies at the county, district and school levels with the California Comprehensive State Literacy Plan […]
California Senate hearing discusses youth mental health as students return to schools
In an Aug. 18 informational hearing, the Senate Education Committee heard from state and local education leaders and advocates about the importance of centering mental wellness and social-emotional learning as students return to the classroom for the 2021–22 school year and a need to connect […]
Gov. Newsom announces vaccination and testing mandate for TK-12 schools
On Wednesday, Aug. 11, California became the first state to require a COVID-19 vaccination or regular testing for school staff when Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a new public health order during a press conference at Oakland USD’s Carl B. Munck Elementary School. The mandate requires […]
National FAFSA completion rates decline for second year
A July report by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) warned of a steep drop in Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion in 2020 and 2021. Students must complete the FAFSA to access federal grants and loans, as well as many types of […]
Guidance on CDPH vaccination order
As noted in CSBA’s Aug. 11 e-blast, the California Department of Public Health issued a public officer health order entitled “Vaccine Verification for Workers in Schools.” Noting that California is committed to safe, full, in-person learning for all students, the Aug. 11 order adds another […]
Commission on State Mandates finalizes decision completing CSBA’s legal challenge to protect school funding and autonomy
The Commission on State Mandates adopted its Decision and Parameters and Guidelines Amendment regarding Graduation Requirements on July 23, 2021, partially approving the Department of Finance’s request to use existing funding as offsetting revenue to pay for state mandates on local educational agencies. The commission’s […]










