Latest News and Comment from Education

Monday, September 23, 2013

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Monday, September 23, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

Ward: Bill would prevent double testing and double frustration for students, teachers


Education Headlines

Monday, September 23, 2013

Computerized exams put to the test in Kern

Two dry runs for a new computerized test meant to replace pencil and paper throughout California schools went generally well locally but exposed a few weaknesses, educators say.

Tablet computers all the rage as schools get ready for Common Core

Tablet computers began inching their way into classrooms almost as soon as they came on the market about three years ago. This year, the touch-screen devices are entering schools full force through what educators call the "1 to 1 device" initiative.

New arts charter school gets OK

Doors will open next year to a new charter school in Tuolumne County, which will emphasize leadership and community involvement and use art to teach core academic classes.

Castaneda ordered to quit school board; pay $5,000 fine

Embattled Salinas City Councilman Jose Castaneda was ordered to step down from his seat on the Alisal Union school board Friday following a Superior Court hearing in Monterey.

Lodi Unified School District, classified union reach tentative deal

Lodi Unified School District classified employees have had all of the furlough days in place since January 2011 restored under a tentative contract agreement reached this week.

Diversity an issue for San Diego Unified

The latest management changes made by new Superintendent Cindy Marten have reignited concerns that the leadership of San Diego Unified does not reflect the diversity of California’s second-largest school district.

Schools review hire of accused molester

Chula Vista Elementary School officials are suing the federal Department of Justice, trying to figure out why no red flags came up when the district went to hire a teacher who had been involved in a child pornography ring.

Empty for years, flawed Julian High building to be razed

Today, a huge mistake is set to be torn down in the middle of the small Julian High School campus. The school’s science building — which underwent pricey renovations before being abandoned nine years ago, after officials determined it was unsafe — will finally be demolished.

School board hears about transgender law

The law requires schools to allow students to follow their gender identity when participating in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including sports teams, and to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.

Modesto City Schools spends millions in salaries for teachers who don't work

Modesto City Schools has spent at least $5 million over the last three school years paying teachers to stay home – and it won’t say why.

Ward: Bill would prevent double testing and double frustration for students, teachers

Of all the bills sitting on the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown, perhaps none is more important to the future of education in California than Assembly Bill 484. Sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and authored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, AB 484 would end the standardized tests that have been in place since 1999 and move California forward in implementing tests based on the new Common Core State Standards.

Adams: New focus on school climate in massive student survey

The California Healthy Kids Survey – a massive survey of student behavior and a key resource for schools – has unveiled extensive revisions that put a stronger focus on students’ emotional health.
Friday, September 20, 2013

KCSOS updates policies after disabled child forgotten on bus

The father of an 8-year-old autistic boy who was discovered abandoned on an otherwise empty school bus said he's not appeased by new safety measures the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office has added since the incident last week.

Water, school meals cost Conejo Valley district unexpected $6 million

Spiraling water costs and poor sales of school meals cost the Conejo Valley Unified School District slightly more than $6 million in unforeseen costs in the last school year.

Moorpark school board discusses changes at continuation school

Moorpark Unified School District board members have been meeting with staff members at Moorpark Community High School to work on changing the school into "a career and technical education-themed high school."

Santa Ana Unified may announce new superintendent Tuesday

The board of the Santa Ana Unified School District may announce the appointment of a new superintendent at its meeting on Tuesday. “It is on the agenda to discuss and possibly name the appointment,” said Deidra Powell, the district spokeswoman.