Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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Education Headlines

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Absenteeism crimps Kern schools' funding

Kern County is among the most severely affected counties in the state for public funding lost by students missing school, according to a report released Monday.

Early truancy problems spiral statewide

Calaveras County has the highest truancy rate for elementary school students in California, contributing to a crisis that harms K-6 education statewide, according to a report issued Monday by the state Attorney General's office.

Report: Truancy costs Monterey County schools $19.5 million

Last year alone, habitual truancy and chronic absenteeism cost public schools across the state $1.4 billion.In Monterey County, schools lost $19.5 million or $283 per pupil, according to “In School and On Track,” a report released Monday by state Attorney General Kamala Harris.

New law helps with the schooling of foster kids

A state bill designed to help foster kids stay on track toward high school graduation is now law. AB 216, by Assemblyman Mark Stone, D-Monterey Bay, was signed last week by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Elementary-school truancy a ‘crisis’ in California

Truancy among California’s elementary school students has reached a “crisis” level, jeopardizing their education, draining district coffers and costing the state billions through higher crime and poverty, according to a study released Monday by the state Attorney General’s Office.

iPad rollout in Coachella Valley Unified schools delayed

The Coachella Valley Unified School District has delayed the rollout of thousands of iPads after watching another school district struggle with hackers and thieves.

Former Newport-Mesa teacher alleges harassment, unlawful termination

A former Newport-Mesa Unified teacher is suing the district over allegations that she was terminated because of her age and humiliated with charges of drinking on the job, according to the complaint filed with the Orange County Superior Court.

State AG targets elementary school truancy

About 1 million elementary school students in California — about one in four — were truant in the past year, a problem that has cost districts billions of dollars and set children on the path to academic and social troubles, the state attorney general said Monday.

Adams: What would federal shutdown mean for California education?

Federal money for education will continue to flow into California, with some caveats, even with a government shutdown.

L.A. Unified School District takes back iPads

Los Angeles school officials have taken back iPads from students at Westchester and Roosevelt high schools and possibly other campuses as well until further notice, the latest fallout from student hacking of the devices.
Monday, September 30, 2013

In nation's richest farmland, some workers' kids get no education at all

Kern County is an American agricultural giant whose soil produced more than $6 billion worth of grapes, almonds and other farm products last year. Yet some of its workers' children, after being disciplined for relatively minor offenses, are getting zero education.

Stockton USD, police force sued over arrest

A 32-year-old Stockton man filed a $10 million battery lawsuit this week against Stockton Unified and its police force, which has been buffeted in recent days by controversial leadership issues.

Eco education with an eye toward jobs

The event was a celebration not only of the new, green facility, but of career-focused training increasing numbers of Manteca Unified students are opting for at the site that includes the district's main offices.

Rural schools legislation advances

The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday that will bring more than $1 million to the Mother Lode for public schools and county roads.