News From the Field
Catch top headlines sharing relevant news and stories about Linked Learning practices, schools, and students.
Newsom nominates three members to the State Board of Education
On Feb. 28, Newsom announced his nominations to the 10-member board; they must be confirmed by the state Senate. They include Gabriela Gonzalez, Brenda Lewis, and Sharon Olken.
Legislators seek to add counselors to California schools
A bill co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond could put 10,000 new mental health counselors in public schools.
California made a historic investment in school counselors. Is it enough?
For the first time in more than a decade, California invested significantly in school counselors last year as the pandemic spurred a mental health crisis among young people. But even with more funds and a soaring need, California’s school student-to-counselor ratio still ranks near the bottom nationally.
New Los Angeles Unified superintendent outlines priorities in 100-day plan
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho plans to seek input from families, teachers and other stakeholders in the Los Angeles Unified School District as he embarks on his first 100 days on the job. By the end of May, Carvalho aims to have several plans underway across the district to address an array of topics, including equity among students, staffing and enrollment issues, and academic program expansions.
Peer counseling gains popularity as California schools beef up student mental health services
As schools look for new ways to address student mental health amid the Covid pandemic, more are turning to a practice that costs almost nothing and, if done well, can lead to life-changing results for all involved: peer counseling.
Top concern for superintendents: Student, staff mental health
The mental health of students, teachers and principals was the top concern among superintendents surveyed recently by the Rand Corp. Concerns about mental health outweighed worries about student engagement, discipline, student and teacher attendance and declining enrollment.
California offers graduation honor to encourage active civic engagement
The State Seal of Civic Engagement recognizes not only that students understand the democratic process but also apply their knowledge to address issues or problems they care deeply about in school or the community.
Revised COLA projections would increase K-12 funding by $500 million
The Legislative Analyst’s Office is estimating that the cost of living increase will be nearly 1% higher than Gov. Gavin Newsom projected in his proposed state budget last month, providing an additional $500 million in general funding for TK-12 schools. And it could grow again by the time of the revised budget in May.
California ready to launch $3 billion, multiyear transition to community schools
In coming weeks, California will embark on a massive undertaking to convert several thousand schools in low-income neighborhoods into centers of community life and providers of vital services for families as well as students.