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The California Department of Education has released the 2023-24 assessment results, revealing mixed outcomes in English/language arts and math. Statewide, 47% of students achieved proficient or advanced levels in English/language arts, a slight increase from 46.7% in 2022-23. Math scores also improved, with 35.6% meeting standards compared to 34.6% the previous year. However, Kern County saw declines, with only 28.5% in English/language arts and 13.96% in math meeting standards. Dr. April Moore, Superintendent of Sierra Sands Unified School District, expressed satisfaction with their scores, stating, “We are pleased to highlight that our math and English/language arts scores continue to exceed the Kern County average.” Meanwhile, Don Beene, Superintendent of REALMS, emphasized the importance of standardized tests in tracking student growth, particularly for those affected by online learning during COVID.

 

EdSource

The Daily Independent

As California prepares for elections that could significantly impact young people's lives, a coalition of foundations has established the California Thriving Youth Initiative. This multiyear project aims to enhance civic leadership and democratic participation among adolescents, particularly students of color. Kathryn Bradley, director of the Purpose of Education Fund at the Stuart Foundation, emphasized the need for students to "practice democracy right now." With an initial investment of $30m, the initiative seeks to create opportunities for civic engagement within public schools. Recent data shows a rise in youth voting, with 47% of 18- to 24-year-olds participating in the 2020 elections, up from just 18% a decade earlier. The initiative also promotes the State Seal of Civic Engagement, which recognizes students' civic education efforts. Despite progress, disparities remain, particularly among Latino students. The initiative aims to bridge these gaps and foster a culture of civic involvement in California schools.

 

EdSource

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Recent analysis reveals that American schools incurred over $3bn in costs due to conflicts surrounding race, LGBTQ+ policies, and library book selections during the last academic year. The study, conducted by researchers including John Rogers from UCLA and Rachel White from UT Austin, surveyed 467 superintendents across 46 states. It found that two-thirds of superintendents reported “moderate” or “high” levels of conflict, with high-conflict districts averaging costs of about $800,000. Legal expenses were a significant burden, often linked to lawsuits and public-records requests. The stress from these conflicts has also negatively impacted staff mental health, with 94% of superintendents in high-conflict areas noting adverse effects on staff well-being. One superintendent shared: “Our social media accounts were effectively bombed … full of messages of hate,” highlighting the intense pressure faced by school leaders and staff.

 

Education Week News

An Edunomics Lab analysis reveals varied effectiveness of $190bn in ESSER pandemic relief funds for U.S. schools. While high-spending states like Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee saw boosts in reading and math scores due to focused leadership, other states reported limited gains despite significant investments. Issues arose with inconsistent spending on staff in high-poverty schools and unreviewed renewals of contracts for services like tutoring and edtech. The study highlights the importance of aligning funds with measurable outcomes, recommending that districts prioritize evidence-based instruction and regularly assess contract effectiveness to avoid waste.

 

Ed Surge

According to a recent survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 43% of teachers have received at least one training session on artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant increase from 29% earlier this year. Despite this progress, 58% of teachers still lack any training, highlighting a pressing need for districts to enhance professional development opportunities. Tara Natrass, managing director of innovation strategy for ISTE+ASCD, emphasized that “districts have a lot of work to do to get everyone up to speed.” Many teachers expressed a desire for more training, with one high school math teacher from Colorado stating, “I would really like to have some in-depth training on the use of some of the new educational AI tools.” While some educators are utilizing AI for lesson planning and material creation, others remain skeptical about its role in education, fearing it may hinder creativity and learning.

 

Education Week News

New research reveals that many older students lack essential decoding skills, hindering their reading progress. The study, conducted by researchers at ETS and the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund, highlights a "decoding threshold" necessary for literacy advancement. Over 20% of 5th to 7th graders in a large urban district fell below this threshold, leading to slower growth in reading abilities. Rebecca Sutherland, an author of the study, noted, “We don't test students' foundational literacy skills after 3rd grade as a rule.” The findings suggest that current reading interventions may not address the root causes of students' struggles. Kate Crist, a literacy consultant, emphasized the need for effective interventions, stating, “What are we going to do to intervene for those students?” The study underscores the importance of targeted support for older students who have been denied access to literacy in earlier grades.

 

Education Week News

The 2024 Youth Truth Survey highlights significant safety concerns among Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ students in Sonoma Valley Unified District. According to the survey, 44% of Black students and 28% of Indigenous students reported feeling unsafe, compared to only 14% of white and Latinx students. Celeste Winders, president of the Board of Trustees, expressed her alarm, stating, “I am extremely concerned about the significant disproportionate rate that Black students and Indigenous students do not feel safe.” The survey also revealed that 31% of LGBTQ+ high school students felt unsafe. Jillian Beall, the district's director of educational services, emphasized the need for community engagement to improve school climate. Despite these challenges, the survey indicated some positive trends, such as a decrease in suicidal thoughts among students, dropping from 15% to 10%. Beall noted, “This data was affirming that those supports are benefiting our youth.” Overall, the survey serves as a crucial tool for identifying areas needing improvement in student safety and well-being.

 

Press Democrat

Press Democrat

A middle school student was arrested after allegedly threatening two schools in East Bay, specifically Cambridge Elementary and Oak Grove Middle schools, with a gun. The threat was later debunked, and police deemed both campuses safe after conducting searches. During the lockdown at Oak Grove Middle School, investigators identified the suspect, leading to the student's arrest on suspicion of falsely reporting an emergency. The student was subsequently released to their parents.

 

EdSource

In a significant move, 16- and 17-year-olds in Berkeley and Oakland can now vote in local school board elections, following the approval of Measure Y in 2016 and Measure QQ in 2020. Community organizations like Oakland Kids First have played a crucial role in facilitating voter registration, helping to register over 1,000 young voters. At a recent candidate forum, student moderators emphasized the importance of voting, stating, “Your vote has the power to bring us closer to your vision and make your dream a reality.” Despite challenges such as student disinterest and lack of knowledge about the voting process, efforts continue to raise awareness and encourage participation among youth. Fremont High School Principal Nidya Baez noted that students feel responsible for representing their communities, while Berkeley High School has also initiated voter education programs. The push for youth engagement in voting is seen as a vital step towards empowering the next generation.

 

EdSource

Amber Lee-Alva, the Cabrillo Unified Superintendent, has taken medical leave just five months into her tenure. In response, the Cabrillo Unified School Board appointed Jeff Harding as interim superintendent to maintain district operations during her absence. The board has not specified a return date for Lee-Alva. Harding previously served as interim superintendent at Riverdale School District in Portland, Oregon, and has held superintendent positions at Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District and Healdsburg Unified School District. As the board stated, Harding will ensure a "smooth operation" of the district while Lee-Alva is away.

 

Half Moon Bay Review

The Panther Cares Center at Sacramento City College officially opened on October 29, 2024, providing essential support for students facing food and housing insecurity. “It's just going to be a staple of what we do here,” said Albert Garcia, president of the college. The center offers a food pantry, allowing students to select 10 items weekly, along with textbook assistance, housing support, and emergency grants. Victoria Austin, regional director of philanthropy, highlighted the pressing issue of food insecurity, noting that 50% of California community college students reported experiencing it. The center aims to alleviate these challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted student enrollment and financial stability. Assemblyman Kevin McCarty emphasized the importance of addressing these needs for student success, noting: “It's not just paying for tuition...it's for books and housing, it's transportation and food.”

 

The Sacramento Bee

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new funding round for the Clean School Bus Program (CSBP), running from September 26, 2024, to January 9, 2025. This initiative, favored by NSTA members, offers up to $965 million in rebates for zero-emission and clean school buses. As stated on the EPA website, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes the EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models.” The rebate amounts vary significantly, with Class 7+ zero-emission buses eligible for up to $325,000, while propane and CNG replacements receive lower rebates. The program also includes funding for nearly-zero emissions vehicles, emphasizing the need for applicants to understand the complexities of the rebate process.

 

School Bus Fleet