California School Boards Association

The California Indian Education Act, authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), encourages LEAs to create California Indian Education task forces that include representatives of area Native American tribes and educators to talk about mutually concerning issues; share the government, history and culture of local tribes; and develop relevant curriculum and classroom materials. Assembly Bill 1703 also requires LEAs to identify achievement gaps between Native American and non-Native American students and establish strategies to narrow them. Learn more about how some LEAs are already implementing the California Indian Education Act and available supports: https://lnkd.in/gzrXb7dQ

Last week, trustees John McPherson (Monterey County Office of Education) and Roger Snyder ( Scotts Valley Unified School District) presented Sen. John Laird (D–Santa Cruz) with CSBA’s 2023 Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award! Sen. Laird’s leadership on K-12 public education issues as Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 on Education Finance was critical in helping to protect against proposed cuts to the Learning Recovery Emergency and Arts, Music and Instructional Materials block grants. He also helped to shepherd CSBA’s Juvenile Court and County Community School budget request through the Legislature. Thank you, Sen. John Laird! #CALeg

CSBA President Albert Gonzalez delivered the keynote speech at the BALEO (Bay Area Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) Awards Ceremony on Oct. 31, which emphasized the importance of empowering Latinos in communities throughout the region, especially young Latinos, to run for public office. Thanks to CSBA PACERs Rita Abdel-Malek and Claudia Lopez-Lupercio for capturing the moment!

Planning to attend AEC, happening Dec. 5-7 in Anaheim, and haven't registered yet? Do so by Nov. 12 to avoid the late rate:

Board President Christina Cameron of Needles USD believes the public education system is the way to elevate all students and even the playing field among California's children. "That's why I do what I do," said Cameron in CSBA’s latest What’s Your Why video. Cameron, who serves as CSBA Director-at-Large, American Indian, also spoke on how AEC, happening this year from Dec. 5-7 in Anaheim, is the perfect opportunity to network and gain new ideas and fresh perspectives on situations many LEAs face.

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