California School Boards Association

The California Department of Education recently released the results of the 2023–24 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress. CSBA Principal Research Manager Jeremy Anderson reviewed the data and is sharing his findings in a blog post for members, offering a practical breakdown of average performance by student group, achievement gaps and why more needs to be done to support historically disadvantaged students. Read Anderson's analysis: https://lnkd.in/gx5nt5eN

"I recognize that each school has unique needs, and understanding and seeing this firsthand allows us to make equitable choices that ensure all our students receive the best educational opportunities," said Desert Sands USD Board President Kailee Watson in CSBA's latest 5 Questions interview. Interested in having a trustee from your LEA participate in the series? Email editor@csba.org to learn more!

A few snapsnots from this week's Brown Act training. Dozens of CSBA members gathered in Redding to learn about the nuances of the open meeting law and how to properly apply it. Find upcoming dates for virtual and in-person professional development opportunities at csba.pub/trainings.

As California continues to expand access to and eligibility for early childhood education opportunities, San Diego County Office of Education has stepped up to offer the first PK-3 intern program in the state. Learn more about the program and how staff hit the ground running to ensure the first cohort of teachers would be properly equipped to support the community’s youngest learners: https://lnkd.in/grr9zak6

CSBA's October newsletter looks back at the September county-focused conference, forward at AEC and provides insights on onboarding new board members, education workforce housing development, new AI resources, Prop 2 and how the Nov. 5 election is an important inflection point for the LCFF. Read about all this and more: https://ow.ly/wYes50TQ7T6

Safe Schools Week emphasizes the importance of creating safe learning environments and encourages communities to work together to prevent violence and ensure the well-being of students. CSBA’s Safe Schools Toolkit is available to support these efforts https://lnkd.in/gbZ6b4Cv

On Monday, CSBA President Albert Gonzalez visited Ojai USD to hear about early childhood education offerings, education workforce housing, a new library, special education facilities, partnerships with local organizations, outdoor learning and more! Thank you for having us!

CSBA President Albert Gonzalez stopped by Santa Paula USD last week to hear about strategies the LEA is implementing to positively impact K-2 literacy. Thank you for an insightful presentation on the Science of Reading!

Join CSBA staff and education leaders at 10 a.m. on Oct. 30 for the webinar “Artificial Intelligence in Schools: Promise, peril, policy and performance,” which will provide a primer for LEAs grappling with the impact of AI. Panelists will examine major considerations for LEAs to help guard against the downsides of AI while leveraging its significant potential for the benefit of students, staff and community and walk attendees through critical policy areas and everyday scenarios related to AI management in schools. Participants will benefit from discussions on the implications of AI for privacy, student performance, accountability, equity, plagiarism, labor relations, due process, security and more. This is essential viewing for governance teams seeking AI policy guidance from a real-world perspective developed specifically for California public schools. Register: https://ow.ly/l40850TL0fH

For as long as he can remember, Harjit Singh has had one passion in life: Helping others. As a board member for Sutter County Superintendent of Schools, he fulfills this passion. "What keeps me going is just the impact that I'm able to have, the individuals that I'm able to meet everyday impact, especially the students, seeing them grow and evolve," Singh said in CSBA's latest What's Your Why video.