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A pair of reports have highlighted the vulnerabilities and weaknesses in oversight and auditing of California charter schools. The reports, issued by the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Anti-Fraud Task Force of the California Charter Authorizing Professionals, have called for actions to address and deter future attempts at fraud by charter school operators. The reports emphasize the importance of oversight in protecting public funds and maintaining public confidence in the education system. The scandals involving charter school operators A3 Education and Inspire Charter Schools, which resulted in the theft of millions of dollars, have exposed the lack of effective supervision by small school districts. The reports recommend auditing reforms and improvements in oversight, including stricter scrutiny of third-party contracts and annual financial audits. They also propose controversial measures such as limiting the ability of small school districts to authorize charter schools and establishing a statewide Office of Inspector General to investigate and prosecute financial fraud. The reports aim to bring about reforms and strengthen accountability in the charter school system.

 

EdSource

Parents in California are facing a decision between keeping their children in preschool or enrolling them in the state's newly expanding Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. TK, a $2.7bn initiative, offers an extra year of free public education to children who turn 4 by June 2. However, TK programs vary by district and may only offer three hours of care per day. TK classrooms have more students and higher education requirements for teachers compared to preschools. The decision ultimately depends on factors such as available hours, schedule details, costs, classroom style, and curriculum. It is advised for parents to visit TK classrooms to assess the program's suitability for their children.

 

Los Angeles Times

More than 20 years ago, California passed a law allowing some undocumented immigrant students to attend college with in-state tuition, if they meet certain requirements. However, confusion over requirements, misinformation, and different interpretations of the law at different college campuses have led to many eligible students being wrongfully denied in-state tuition. Immigrant rights advocates argue that this has resulted in a loss of talented students and decreased college enrollment. To address this issue, officials from California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California have come together to create a document called the Systemwide AB 540 FAQ. This document provides answers to frequently asked questions about the law, aiming to provide clarity and consistency across campuses. The FAQ document is particularly important because there are multiple laws regarding the nonresident tuition exemption. Under current California law, undocumented students who meet certain criteria are eligible for in-state tuition and state financial aid. This access to financial aid and in-state tuition is crucial for undocumented students who are not eligible for federal financial aid.

 

EdSource

During a heated U.S. House of Representatives hearing, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona faced sharp questioning over several pressing issues, including the botched rollout of a simplified FAFSA form, increasing reports of antisemitism in schools, execution of student-debt relief, and changes to Title IX regulations. Cardona advocated for the Biden administration's 2025 budget proposal, emphasizing the need for increased funding for the Education Department’s civil rights office to handle a growing number of discrimination complaints more efficiently. Republicans criticized the recent Title IX updates, arguing they could harm girls' sports and privacy, while also expressing frustration over persistent technical problems with the FAFSA application process, which has deterred students from seeking federal aid. Despite these controversies, there was bipartisan support for enhancing career and technical education, highlighting a rare agreement on the importance of expanding vocational training opportunities. Cardona’s testimony underscored ongoing debates about educational priorities and the federal role in ensuring fair treatment and access to education amidst policy challenges.

 

Education Week News

As allegations of antisemitism intensify in educational settings, Politico looks at how House Republicans are extending their scrutiny beyond universities to include K-12 public schools. This shift comes in response to what they perceive as a growing trend of antisemitic rhetoric and incidents, particularly in the wake of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Key educational leaders from California, New York, and Maryland are scheduled to appear before a House Education and the Workforce subcommittee to discuss their schools' responses to these incidents. The focus on K-12 institutions aims to address the broader implications of student protests and allegations of harassment, which have not garnered the same level of media attention as those on college campuses. Rep. Aaron Bean, spearheading the initiative, highlighted the significant uptick in antisemitic activities in schools post the October 7 Hamas attack, labeling the trend as "extremely concerning and utterly unacceptable." The proactive stance by House Republicans reflects a growing desire to tap into public concerns about antisemitism, potentially transforming these hearings into a pivotal political issue. Critics, however, argue that the sessions may be more about capturing political gains rather than fostering meaningful dialogue or solutions. David Banks, Chancellor of the New York City school system, criticized the approach as potentially divisive, suggesting that it could detract from genuine efforts to resolve issues of hate and discrimination in schools.

 

Politico

Students in Sonoma and Napa counties in California, including those with undocumented parents, are anxiously waiting for their Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allotment to come through. The deadline for declaring their intent to enroll is approaching, causing stress for students like Alejandra Alfaro, who is hoping to pursue a sonography career. The FAFSA application's new online format has caused delays and complications, particularly for students with undocumented parents. Governor Gavin Newsom extended the FAFSA priority deadline to May 2 and offered mixed-status families the option to apply for the CA DREAM Act instead. However, neither option is ideal, suggests the Press Democrat.

 

Press Democrat

The California Department of Education has downgraded the fiscal status of San Francisco USD to negative. The district has filed a fiscal stabilization plan to address the financial issues, including improving payroll systems and eliminating vacant positions. The Superintendent, Dr. Matt Wayne, acknowledges the need for improvement and growth in the entire system. The SF Board of Education will discuss updates on the budget and the district's stabilization plan.

 

EdSource

St. Helena Primary School has been recognized by Solution Tree for its successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at Work process. Only about 600 schools and districts in the U.S. and Canada received this honor. PLCs are schools and districts that prioritize ongoing, job-embedded learning for educators to improve student learning. St. Helena Primary School demonstrated a commitment to PLC concepts, implemented them for at least three years, and showed clear evidence of improved student learning. Principal Rebekah Rocha expressed pride in the staff's achievement and the systems in place to ensure high levels of learning and achievement for all students.

 

Napa Valley Register

Modesto City Schools is expanding its equitable grading practices, prioritizing learning over tasks and deadlines. The district aims to ensure that students understand that their grades represent their learning and mastery of a subject. Equitable grading practices include prioritizing recent performance and growth, refraining from grading behaviors such as "effort" or "participation," and focusing on true mastery of a subject. The district has been working towards equity in grading for five years. The new grading system has received positive feedback from parents and trustees, who believe it will provide fairer assessments.

 

The Modesto Bee

Trabuco Elementary School, located in Trabuco Canyon, California, has been recognized as one of the 2024 Green Ribbon schools in the state by the U.S. Department of Education. The school was honored for its efforts in sustainability education, health and wellness improvement, and reducing its environmental impact. Principal Lindsey Gatfield expressed her pride in the community's collaboration to achieve this recognition. Trabuco Elementary School's goals align with the surrounding rural community's sustainable practices. The campus features outdoor gardens, a farm with various animals, and a student-led Coyote Green Team. The school also offers a field study program to educate visitors about the environment.

 

The Orange Country Register

Michael Lozano has been appointed as the new assistant principal of Los Gatos High School (LGHS). The announcement comes after the current assistant principal, Dave Poetzinger, was appointed as the new principal. Lozano, who previously worked at Leland High School and the Virdom International Academy in China, will start his new role on July 1. During his time at Leland, Lozano focused on addressing chronic absenteeism and truancy, while at Virdom International Academy, he worked with international organizations to provide pathways for graduates. In other news, Los Gatos' young artists will have their artwork on display as part of the Art Vistas' annual showcase series. The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District's public information officer, Tanya De La Cruz, and outgoing Los Gatos High principal, Kevin Buchanan, were recognized by the Association of California School Administrators.

 

Mercury News

Three California teachers have been named finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on K-12 teachers in science, technology, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. The finalists are Suzanne Huerta, a math teacher at Whitaker Elementary School in Buena Park; Cherene Fillingim-Selk, a science teacher at Berkeley Arts Magnet School in Berkeley; and Phuong Uzoff, a science teacher at Richmond Street Elementary School in El Segundo. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond praised the teachers for modeling excellence in preparing California students for the future. The Presidential Award recipients will be honored in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

 

EdSource