Alliance Blog

This week we highlight two timely opportunities to learn about important data-focused initiatives that are underway in California. The California State University Board of Trustees announced their selection of Dr. Joseph Castro as the next Chancellor of the system. On Monday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond launched the Education to End Hate initiative to confront hate, racism, and bigotry. Lastly, we share insights about a recently released brief from the Center for American Progress.

The Center for American Progress (CAP) released “Preparing American Students for the Workforce of the Future,” providing a framework for a K-12 research agenda designed to surface policy solutions to best prepare students for college, career, and civic life.

It is with profound soundness that we share with the Linked Learning field news about the passing of Joan Bissell, one of our greatest leaders and champions, on September 11, 2020. Joan leaves a legacy that will continue to have a lasting impact on students’ lives - the future leaders of California and our nation.

This week was filled with California State Board of Education (SBE) news. The SBE announced that applications are being accepted for the 2021-22 Student Board Member position. On Thursday, the SBE adopted new career measures to be included in the College/Career Indicator. Finally, the Governor’s office announced that Brooks Allen has been nominated Executive Director of the State Board of Education, and the SBE unanimously approved the Governor’s nomination.

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released two Requests for Application (RFA): one for the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant and another for the Specialized Secondary Program Grant. The State Legislature also adjourned its 2019-2020 session. While a number of bills stalled, several others passed the Legislature and are now waiting for the Governor's action.

This week brings the release of multiple guidance and frequently asked questions (FAQ) materials for the start of the new school year. Additionally, the California Department of Education (CDE) has provided multiple resources to help both educators and parents effectively engage English Learners during this time, including newsletters and FAQs. Finally, Senate Bill (SB) 820, the “trailer bill” to the state budget, includes language that would add the Lieutenant Governor of California as a voting member of the California Community College Board of Governors. Governor Newsom is likely to sign the bill.

When schools closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many worried how students would perform on Advance Placement exams from home. At Antelope Valley's Eastside High Biomedical Science Academy, students overcame challenges with distance learning to see gains in scores.

This was a big week for ethnic studies in California. Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1460 (Weber), requiring an ethnic studies course as a graduation requirement for undergraduate students at California State University (CSU). (See our July 23 blog post for additional background information.) Additionally, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond expressed his support for the revised draft of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, as part of his comments to the state’s Instructional Quality Commission (IQC).

This week, the California Department of Education (CDE) announced that the U.S. Department of Education approved California’s Perkins V State Plan. They also released a teacher survey to collect examples of distance learning successes from last school year. Finally, public-private partnerships are helping to close the digital divide, increasing the number of devices and online accessibility for students as they get ready for the start of school.

This week, the California Department of Education (CDE) released instructions for the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan template (you can read our first update on this template here). Beyond the instructions, CDE is also providing webinars to support educational leaders as they work on their plan, including opportunities to explore considerations and available tools for addressing the needs of English Learners, students with disabilities, foster youth, and students experiencing homelessness.