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California students have made slight progress in regaining pre-COVID achievement levels, with increases in English language arts, math, and science scores for the 2023-2024 school year. According to state data, English language arts proficiency rose from 46.7% to 47%, while math and science scores increased from 30.2% to 30.7%. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, expressed optimism, stating: “California’s public schools are making encouraging gains in all of the key subject areas.” Notably, low-income students showed larger gains, with 36.8% meeting English standards, a 1.5% increase. However, challenges remain, as the last federal pandemic relief funding must be utilized, prompting districts to seek creative funding solutions. Despite these gains, the overall performance gap persists, particularly among English learners, where proficiency dropped from 16.5% to 14.6%.

 

EdSource

Los Angeles Times

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A new report highlights significant progress in closing achievement gaps for low-income students in cities like Camden, Newark, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, where both charter and district schools are making strides. In Camden, New Jersey, where more than two-thirds of students attend charter or "renaissance" schools, low-income students boosted their state exam proficiency by 21 points between 2010-11 and 2022-23, closing the performance gap with their peers statewide by 42%. This trend is reflected in other cities that have expanded public school choices. In Kansas City and St. Louis, the achievement gap narrowed by 31% and 30%, respectively. Newark saw a 45% improvement. The study, conducted by the Progressive Policy Institute, found that low-income students in the 10 districts with the highest charter school enrollments closed the gap with statewide test score averages by 25% to 40%. While challenges remain, including rising absenteeism and budget constraints, the report offers encouraging evidence that expanding school choices, including charters, can drive academic improvement for all students, not just those in charter schools. Critics' concerns that charter schools drain resources from district schools were challenged by the findings, which suggest that charter school growth may create a positive competitive dynamic benefiting the entire system.

 

The 74 (Online)

Investing over $40,000 in a college education may not suffice for Gen Z graduates, with a recent report by intelligent.com revealing that 60% of employers have fired new hires within months. The report highlights a significant lack of soft skills, with half of the surveyed hiring leaders citing insufficient motivation and initiative as key issues. Furthermore, 75% of employers found recent graduates unsatisfactory in various aspects, including punctuality and professionalism. The pandemic exacerbated these shortcomings, as remote learning hindered the development of essential interpersonal skills. As a result, many colleges are now offering classes focused on workplace networking skills, acknowledging that graduates are not adequately prepared for the workforce. The report underscores the importance of soft skills in achieving success in today's job market.

 

Turlock Journal

Earlier this month over 2,300 high school students from Northern California gathered at Cal Expo for High School Trades Day, an event focused on career exploration in construction. Jaea Chatman, a 17-year-old student from Natomas High School, expressed her interest in construction, stating: “My school had a construction program, so I got into that class, and I really like it.” The event featured safety demonstrations and hands-on activities, allowing students to engage with local construction companies. Jordan Blair, chief executive of the Construction Industry Education Foundation, highlighted the financial benefits of pursuing a career in construction, noting that “you’re going to be making near college wages as you move up into midlevel career opportunities.” With high demand for skilled laborers, carpenters, and electricians, the event aimed to inspire students to consider lucrative careers in the construction industry.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Howard Adelman and Linda Taylor, co-directors of the Center for MH in Schools & Student/Learning Supports at UCLA, criticize education leaders for their inadequate response to growing learning, behavioral, and emotional issues among students. While there are ongoing discussions about educational transformation, they argue that current proposals fail to address the need for a comprehensive approach to student support. Schools are struggling with fragmented, minimal resources, unable to meet student needs effectively. Adelman and Taylor advocate for a systemwide reform that integrates school and community resources into a unified, equitable framework. They acknowledge the adoption of multitiered systems of support (MTSS) as a positive step but stress that deeper changes are needed. As they explain: "Transforming how schools play their role in addressing barriers to learning and teaching into a unified, comprehensive and equitable system... is essential to enhancing equity of opportunity for students." This comprehensive approach, they argue, is crucial for overcoming current barriers to learning and improving outcomes for all students.

 

EdSource

Newman-Crows Landing USD emphasizes the importance of well-maintained school facilities for community prosperity. Caralyn Mendoza, Assistant Superintendent-Chief Business Official, highlights that "improvements to school facilities benefit students and the greater community." With a 60% increase in student enrollment from 2000 to 2020, the district faces challenges in maintaining aging buildings. To address these needs, Measures S and T are proposed for the November 5 ballot, aiming to secure $30m and $27m respectively for critical repairs and upgrades. If approved, these bonds will be backed by ad valorem levies projected to be under $45 per measure. Transparency in spending is assured through a Citizen's Oversight Committee and annual independent audits. The district has a strong track record of managing bond funds effectively, ensuring that the community's investment leads to improved educational environments.

 

Westsideconnect.com

The Millbrae School District is advocating for a $95m bond measure, Measure J, on the November ballot to enhance infrastructure and technology across its five schools. The initiative comes just two years after a similar proposal was rejected. If approved, Measure J will cost property owners $30 per $100,000 of assessed value annually and aims to address critical updates outlined in the Facilities Master Plan. The district emphasizes the importance of this funding to ensure the schools meet modern educational standards.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

San Bruno Park School District is the only elementary district in San Mateo County lacking a voter-approved parcel tax, despite significant needs. The community is proposing a modest annual tax of $68 per parcel for eight years, which would generate $730,000 annually. This funding aims to support educational programs and provide competitive salaries for teachers and counselors, ultimately striving for stability in the classroom. As the district navigates California's complex funding landscape, the community's request highlights the pressing need for financial support.

 

San Mateo Daily Journal

Bullis Charter School has officially opposed a bond measure proposed by the Los Altos School District aimed at funding a new campus. Superintendent Maureen Israel expressed concerns, stating: “LASD continues to exclude us from conversations about facilities, resulting in unworkable and counterproductive proposals.” The proposed campus at the San Antonio Shopping Center would not accommodate Bullis's 1,000+ students. Los Altos School District Board President Bryan Johnson defended the bond, emphasizing that it was developed through extensive public discussions. The bond, totaling $350m, aims to alleviate overcrowding at existing schools. If approved, the new campus could open by the 2027-28 school year, allowing for better space management in the district. The bond would be the largest in the area, with property owners expected to repay $30 for every $100,000 of assessed property value.

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

The Salinas UHSD Board of Trustees is under fire for retaining former Superintendent Dan Burns at a $307,000 salary while hiring new Superintendent Dr. Zandra Jo Galván, whose salary is $308,000. Teachers voiced their concerns during the October 8 board meeting, arguing that Burns' new role as "Administrator on Special Assignment" undermines Galván's authority. Board President Tracy Filice defended the decision, stating, “The purpose has focused on transition and providing institutional knowledge,” and emphasized that funding for Burns' contract would come from savings on consultant contracts. Teachers, however, expressed dissatisfaction, with Tari Johnson stating: “What we do need is to ensure Dr. Galván feels empowered to lead the district effectively.” The board's decision has sparked significant debate over fiscal responsibility and leadership dynamics within the district.

 

The Californian

San Francisco USD has announced plans to close or merge eight elementary schools, one K-8, and two high schools, aiming to save up to $22m. The district is facing declining enrollment, with approximately 14,000 empty seats and a projected loss of 5,000 students over the next five years. Schools selected for closure have 260 students or fewer, and decisions were based on a “composite score” that considered facility conditions, student achievement, and the impact on disadvantaged students. Families at the affected schools are determined to fight for their institutions, and the district will hold town halls and public meetings before a final vote in December.

 

EdSource

San Luis Obispo County residents are set to receive ballots for the upcoming elections, which include several competitive school board races. The Tribune has created a 2024 Election Voter Guide to assist voters in making informed decisions. Four candidates—Matt Allison, Ted Dubost, Cheryl Parks, and Jason Tesarz—are vying for three seats on the Templeton USD Board of Trustees, with incumbents Dubost and Parks in the mix. While Tesarz and Allison did not respond to the questionnaire, Dubost emphasized the need for improvement in student achievement, stating: "High expectations for student achievement begin with the school board." Parks highlighted the importance of maintaining a high-quality education and addressing budget deficits while ensuring student safety. The election is crucial for shaping the future of education in the district.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

The Santa Rosa City Schools board will welcome three new trustees following the November election, with only one incumbent, Jeremy De La Torre, running again. The nonprofit Latino advocacy group Los Cien organized a virtual forum yesterday for the community to meet the candidates. The candidates will address various issues raised by community members, including school safety, curriculum standards, and student absenteeism.

 

Press Democrat