California Department of Education

Welcoming Students, School Staff, and Families Back to School and More in This Week’s Issue of CDE Today. To subscribe, visit https://lnkd.in/ggD8R8U7.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond issues a letter to students, families, and educators as they return #BacktoSchool: “This time of year is all about excitement, hope, and putting in the hard work it takes to make incredible things happen. Thank you to California’s educators and school staff who have spent long days decorating classrooms and hallways, building class schedules, and making sure that our students and families have everything that they need to start the year. To our students: I am so proud of you for stepping into this new year ready to learn, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things that you will accomplish. Know that you can achieve your wildest dreams, and education is the way! To our families and educators: Thank you for being fierce advocates and relentlessly caring for our children. I’m with you, fighting to ensure that our students have safe, healthy learning environments, top-notch instruction, and the best preparation for bright futures. Your voices have informed every policy change that I have fought to make: from giving all kids access to school meals, to adding personal finance education to our high school graduation requirements, to establishing scholarships for new teachers, mental health clinicians, and classified staff who are seeking to enter the education profession. My own life is a testament to the power of a quality public education. As you work hard to make this year the best one yet, know that you have an advocate in Sacramento who is standing right beside you, driving resources and change so that every child in California has access to the kind of opportunity that can only come from a great public school.”

📚❤️ #DidYouKnow the CDE’s Recommended Literature List has been updated with new titles for PreK-Grade 12? Check out our searchable database for books for children and teens which helps students, teachers, and families find books that entertain, inform, and explore new ideas and experiences. The list is updated annually with the latest and best in children’s and young adult literature: https://lnkd.in/gupxK-2r

❗ Attention incoming high school juniors ❗ Apply before Sept. 20 to become a California State Board of Education Student Board Member for 2025–26! You will play a crucial role in representing the perspectives and interests of students across California in important policy discussions and decisions, and you will function as a regular voting member of the SBE. Submit your application today: https://lnkd.in/eWAEQATE

Register for the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference, taking place October 9-11, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The conference focuses on improving #mentalhealth in our schools and beyond by empowering and equipping school leaders, counselors, educators, and changemakers through session tracks designed specifically for those groups. Whether listening to one of the inspiring speakers or expert panels or taking part in the extended breakout sessions, you will gain insight and tools that you can take back to your home districts to lead and encourage others. Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/gBr-Enp

📣 Do you know an outstanding high school counselor? Nominations are open for the annual 2024-25 Arthur S. Marmaduke High School Counselor Award! 🏆 Each year, the California Student Aid Commission recognizes a California high school counselor who effectively serves students in preparing for and pursuing their higher education. Nominations are due Thursday, October 31. Learn about award eligibility and nominate a counselor today: https://lnkd.in/g-RqYwT5

Do you have mathematics teaching experience or a doctorate in mathematics or a related field? The CDE needs YOU! Volunteer your skills by serving as an Instructional Materials Reviewer or a Content Review Expert in the 2025 Mathematics Instructional Materials Adoption review process. Selected reviewers will receive a $100 stipend per day for four days of reviewer training to take place in April 2025 as well as four days of deliberations in July 2025. Participation in all days is required. Apply by Sept 24 to be considered: https://lnkd.in/geca7StN

High School Voter Education Weeks is coming soon! 🗳️ As educators, it is important to ensure that students learn how to become active participants in our democracy. It is never too early to motivate students to be involved! School districts can participate in the 2024 High School Voter Education Weeks from September 16–27, 2024. The goal of these weeks is to bring civic awareness to young, future voters and inspire eligible students ages 16–17 to pre-register to vote so they will automatically be registered when they turn 18 years old. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dTsbSu-X

Teachers and training leaders—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the CDE encourage you to review “Understanding Tools for Teachers.” This professional learning resource introduces how to use the #ToolsforTeachers lesson plans that have embedded formative assessment and accessibility strategies. Check it out at https://lnkd.in/gAPF7fDy Note: Tools for Teachers requires an account to view full resources. A free Tools for Teachers account is available for all California public school teachers.

#ICYMI: Last week, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond convened a summit with key state leaders to accelerate #housing development in California. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gjwnj-q9