Alliance Blog

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Governor Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill (AB) 1835, which specified supplemental and concentration funds be spent to increase or improve services for unduplicated pupils, and AB 331, which would have added the completion of a semester-long course in ethnic studies as a state high school graduation requirement. Additionally, the State Board of Education is accepting applications for the 2021-22 Student Board Member position up until 5:00 PM on October 8.

This week we are providing a brief status update on the K-12 Strong Workforce Program funding, including applicable changes as of the most recent application cycle, insights on a State Assembly hearing about internet access during distance learning, highlights from the Educator Workforce Investment Grant.

This week we address an inquiry from the field about the status of new career measures to be included in the College/Career Indicator and how these measures will be reflected on the California School Dashboard. In other news, this past Monday, the California State Senate held an informational hearing on the challenges around distance learning.

The California Department of Education (CDE) recently shared updates regarding the Perkins V 2021-22 school year application process. In addition, the November election results are mostly in.

This week, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released a report on the fiscal outlook for schools and community colleges in 2020-21 and beyond. In the midst of the challenges related to COVID-19 that schools throughout California are facing, this report offers some good news.