CDE webinar spotlights important considerations for closing literacy gaps among Black students

The California Department of Education (CDE) hosted a webinar in January to equip local educational agency leaders, educators and other stakeholders with best practices and actionable strategies to improve literacy outcomes for Black students. With Black History Month in full swing, now is a perfect time for administrators and governance teams to revisit the discussion.

New research provides insight into how LEAs can reduce “summer melt”

Timely, personalized communication alongside support with financial aid and complex enrollment tasks, trusted relationships and summer advising can meaningfully increase college enrollment and persistence, particularly for low-income and first-generation students, according to a new report.

Research highlights best practices and pitfalls in CTE programming

Students who complete structured, multi-course career technical education (CTE) pathways have stronger graduation, earnings and postsecondary outcomes than those who only take standalone courses, according to a recent study from researchers at Boston College and the University at Albany. Thoughtful design and expanded access are […]

Statewide college and career preparation is promising but will need sustained support

The Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) was a $500 million investment established by Assembly Bill 181 after California set a 70-percent postsecondary attainment goal in the 2022–23 State Budget. Program funds are provided to support expanded pathways and smoother transitions into high-wage, high-skill and high-growth […]

Analysis of School Dashboard points to a need for state-level accountability

The California Department of Education released the latest edition of the California School Dashboard on Nov. 13, touting a “continued increase in academic achievement and graduation rates” and a “reduction in chronic absenteeism.” While some growth was evident, a look at the underlying data reveals a more complicated picture of student performance — one that demands greater scrutiny of the status quo, increased investment in public schools, and a commitment to reducing achievement gaps by accelerating achievement, particularly for the state’s most vulnerable students.  

Report sheds light on how state and local policymakers can better support Native American students

Native American Heritage Month, observed each November, serves as a reminder to local educational agencies to examine whether or not current policies, curriculum and more are contributing to ensuring schools are genuinely recognizing, respecting and nurturing Native American students. To support such efforts, the ACLU […]

California continues progress toward ensuring low-income youth are able to financially pursue higher education or job training

More than 260,000 California second graders started this school year with scholarship funds that will continue to grow during their K-12 journey to ultimately help them prepare for college and career training. The California Kids Investment and Development Savings (CalKIDS) program, launched in 2022, is […]