Author: Michelle Magyar

As the Executive Director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), I am looking forward to continuing to highlight our strategic priorities for the 2024-2025 school year. We are steadfast in our dedication to advancing educational outcomes through our four pivotal focus areas:

1. Utilizing data to maximize impacts for students statewide.
2. Developing targeted and intensive support for Special Education.
3. Integrating efforts among statewide Mathematics Leads.
4. Strengthening literacy initiatives in collaboration with the California Department of Education.

Our commitment to enhancing the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) ensures that California fulfills its mission of providing a quality, equitable education for every student. Key to this commitment is our focused support for Special Education, informed significantly by the first-year findings from the Special Education Resource Leads. This initiative is critical in shaping our approach to enhancing outcomes for students with disabilities by supporting capacity building, collaboration, and the implementation of best practices across various educational agencies.

Key Year One Findings and Their Significance:

• Successful Collaborations: The Leads demonstrated substantial success in forging connections with other educational initiatives and external partners, enhancing the collective capacity to support diverse learner needs. This success underlines the importance of our continued focus on creating synergies within the SSOS to prevent duplication of efforts and to maximize resource efficiency.
• Challenges with Capacity and Coordination: Despite successes, Leads faced hurdles related to staffing constraints and systemic coordination. These challenges underscore the need for strategic supports and enhanced communication channels within the SSOS, ensuring that initiatives are well-coordinated and that information flows seamlessly among stakeholders.
• Positive Impacts on Practices: The Leads reported significant improvements in educational practices for Special Education, particularly in inclusivity and the quality of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This impact highlights the effectiveness of the targeted supports and resources provided to educators, which are essential for lifting educational outcomes for students with disabilities. These findings, combined with the recent report provided by the IEP Expert Panel Report will inform California’s efforts to support the development of a new IEP template.

Strategic Actions Based on Findings:

To incorporate these findings effectively into CCEE’s focus area of developing targeted and intensive support for the SSOS, we are preparing to support the following strategic actions:

• Enhance Inter-Initiative Collaboration: Amplify the existing successes in collaboration by establishing regular inter-lead communication forums and shared resource platforms. This will ensure that successful strategies are disseminated widely and that all Leads are aligned in their efforts.
• Structured Collaboration and Communication: Expand the SSOS website and resource hub with our partners that will ensure a structured communication framework for regular, transparent exchanges among all Special Education Resource Leads, state agencies, and partners within the System of Support. This integrated support will incorporate any monthly coordination meetings, shared digital platforms for resource exchange, and quarterly strategic reviews, alongside a centralized data-sharing platform to track initiatives and outcomes, prevent overlap, and build on collective successes.
• Expand Impact Monitoring: Strengthen mechanisms for monitoring and reporting the impacts of interventions, particularly those related to Special Education. By linking to our Data for Impact focus area and increasing transparency in reporting, we can better track the progress and scale effective practices.
• Focus on Continuous Improvement: Continue to embed a culture of continuous improvement within all layers of the initiative by training leaders and practitioners in improvement science methodologies.

By focusing on these strategic actions, CCEE will enhance its support for Special Education within the SSOS, ensuring that all students receive the benefits of a tailored and inclusive educational experience.

If you have any questions about CCEE, please visit our website. Stay tuned for more literacy coordination efforts and resources, through our events calendar and the Statewide System of Support Resource Hub.

As Executive Director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), I’m pleased to outline our key strategic priorities for the 2024-2025 school year. We are dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes through a focus on four pivotal areas:

1. Utilizing data to maximize statewide and individual student impacts.
2. Developing targeted and intensive support for Special Education.
3. Integrating and coordinating efforts among statewide Mathematics Leads.
4. Strengthening literacy initiatives in collaboration with the California Department of Education.

Our goal is to ensure that the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) fulfills California’s mission of providing a quality, equitable education for every student. To achieve this, we are committed to working with the California Department of Education in aligning various literacy initiatives through the following objectives: 

• Coherence and Alignment: Partnering with state agencies and SSOS literacy leads, to align various literacy initiatives. This will help create a unified approach to literacy education, ensuring that all students have access to comprehensive and consistent literacy instruction.
• Support and Resources: We will assist in creating awareness and understanding of how to access universal support opportunities for LEAs including professional development opportunities, instructional resources, and evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy outcomes. Our focus will be on building capacity within schools to deliver effective literacy instruction.

Below are asynchronous and synchronous courses that are available now for free professional development provided through the Learning Acceleration System Grant and Project Arise.

Date	Professional Learning Session
September 23	Whole-Child Lens on Literacy
September 30	Centering Complex Text
October 3	Executive Functions (Community of Practice)
October 7	Progress Monitoring
November 14	Leveraging What Students CAN DO to Bridge Their Learning
December 12	Foundational Skills (Community of Practice)
January 23	Ignite your Reading Comprehension Lessons
January 30	Biliteracy Instruction Part I
February 13	Comprehension Discussion
February 24	Using Executive Functions to Support Holistic Literacy Development
February 27	Biliteracy Instruction- Part II
March 10	Using Progress Monitoring Data for Instruction
March 13	Intensive Interventions (Community of Practice)
March 20	Empowering Choice: Refining Scaffolds in Lesson Design

If you have any questions about CCEE, please visit our website. Stay tuned for more literacy coordination efforts and resources, through our events calendar and the Statewide System of Support Resource Hub.

Madera County Superintendent of Schools Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Workshop

The recent PLC Workshop held on September 3-4, 2024, brought together dedicated educators and leaders with a shared goal of improving student outcomes through collaboration and shared responsibility. Hosted by the Madera County Superintendent of Schools, this two-day professional development event provided attendees with valuable insights, tools, and actionable strategies to enhance their teaching practices and relaunch PLCs effectively.

One of the most powerful moments from the workshop came from a Sierra Vista Elementary teacher who passionately stated, “I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else,” highlighting the deep connection and commitment teachers feel toward their schools when collaboration is at the core of their work. This sentiment was echoed in discussions around vulnerability and self-reflection, as another teacher candidly shared, “It’s the raw reality,” referring to the critical process of analyzing student data and asking, “Was our instruction effective?”

The workshop reinforced the importance of building trust among colleagues, as one participant noted, “When you build that trust level with your colleagues, you can move mountains for your students.” The power of collaboration was underscored throughout, with teachers acknowledging that “We got a lot more done together than separately,” emphasizing the significant impact of working as a team rather than in isolation.

The event equipped educators with practical tools to foster a focus on learning, nurture a collaborative culture, and maintain a results-oriented mindset, ensuring that the PLC process continues to be a powerful strategy for sustainable school improvement.

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. To learn more about the PLC Workshop and other foundational components of the Intensive Assistance Model, please visit the Intensive Assistance Model webpage and Rising from the Margins podcast to hear experiences from Madera Unified School District and other IAM districts.

The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) is transforming how educators and communities collaborate to support student success. Rooted in building genuine relationships, CEI emphasizes the importance of involving families and communities in the educational process. By shifting the focus from traditional methods to a more holistic, relationship-centered approach, educators and community members alike are finding new ways to support and empower students.

In the most recent episodes of the Rising from the Margins podcast, Superintendent Mark Luque and his Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team discuss their transformative journey as part of the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Reflecting the impact of their efforts, Bakersfield City School District saw a significant improvement in student attendance. According to the 2022 California School Dashboard, the district’s Chronic Absence Indicator was at a concerning 51.6%. However, by 2023, this figure had dropped to 30.4%, marking an impressive 21.2% reduction in chronic absenteeism.

Tune in to the latest Rising from the Margins episode to explore:

1. Transformative Impact on Educators: The CEI experience has fundamentally changed educators, encouraging them to build deeper relationships with families and communities, which has led to more effective educational practices.
2. Holistic Approach to Education: CEI promotes a “whole child, whole family, whole community” approach, recognizing that student success is deeply connected to the well-being and involvement of their families and communities.
3. Empowerment Through Engagement: The initiative empowers parents and community members by creating spaces for their voices to be heard and their contributions to be valued, fostering a stronger, more cohesive educational environment. 

Join the Community Engagement Initiative and become part of a transformative movement in education. By building meaningful relationships and collaborating with families and communities, we can create an environment where every student thrives. Part I and Part II of the Bakersfield City School District are now available!

Resources and Tools: 

• CEI Website
• CEI Resources
• Dr. Karen Mapp Dual Capacity Framework
• Whole Child Policy Toolkit
• Changing the Discourse in Schools 

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday Feature! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

We are thrilled to announce the soft launch of the new brand and website for the California Statewide System of Support (SSOS). This significant milestone represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing the system and providing clarity around the supports available to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) across the state.

The new SSOS website embodies a unique look and feel, marking a major step forward for the collaborative efforts of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the California Department of Education, and the California State Board of Education. These organizations are committed to administering a network that fosters innovation, collaboration, and expertise throughout California.

Explore the New SSOS Website

We invite you to explore the new SSOS website. Here, you will find:

• Statewide System of Support Directory: A comprehensive guide to the network of support available.
• Resource Hub: Access to valuable resources you may already be familiar with.
• Three Tiers of Support: A clear and concise explanation of the support tiers provided by the system.

We are continuously enhancing the site and will be updating it regularly with new resources, tools, and information to support your needs. We encourage you to check back often and stay tuned for future updates.

Join Us on This Journey

Your feedback is invaluable to us as we embark on this journey together. We look forward to your continued partnership and support.

Call to Action:

Stay Updated: Regularly check the site for new updates and tools.

Provide Feedback: Share your thoughts and suggestions to help us improve.

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday Feature! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

We are thrilled to announce the soft launch of the new brand and website for the California Statewide System of Support (SSOS). This significant milestone represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing the system and providing clarity around the supports available to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) across the state.

The new SSOS website embodies a unique look and feel, marking a major step forward for the collaborative efforts of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the California Department of Education, and the California State Board of Education. These organizations are privileged to administer a network that fosters innovation, collaboration, and expertise throughout California.

Explore the New SSOS Website

We invite you to explore the new SSOS website. Here, you will find:

• Statewide System of Support Directory: A comprehensive guide to the network of support available.
• Resource Hub: Access to valuable resources you may already be familiar with.
• Three Tiers of Support: A clear and concise explanation of the support tiers provided by the system.

We are committed to continuously enhancing the site and will be updating it regularly with new resources, tools, and information to support your needs. We encourage you to check back often and stay tuned for future updates.

Join Us on This Journey

Your feedback is invaluable to us as we embark on this journey together. We look forward to your continued partnership and support.

Call to Action:

Stay Updated: Regularly check the site for new updates and tools.

Provide Feedback: Share your thoughts and suggestions to help us improve.

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday Feature ! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

SSOS Core Working Group Report

The June 2024 report from the Core Working Group outlines their analysis and recommendations for California’s Statewide System of Support (SSOS), which is designed to aid Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in improving student performance and addressing educational disparities (Education Code Section 52059.5). This report highlights the current operational strengths and areas needing enhancement to ensure the SSOS is more accessible and effective across all levels of support—universal, targeted, and intensive.

Key Highlights:

1. Multi-Tiered Support Structure: The SSOS provides structured support at universal, targeted, and intensive levels to meet the diverse needs of California’s LEAs, emphasizing customized resources and continuous improvement.
2. Barriers to Accessibility: Despite its comprehensive framework, there is uneven awareness and accessibility of these resources among LEAs, necessitating improved communication strategies and clarity in resource distribution.
3. Strategic Recommendations: The report outlines detailed recommendations to enhance system coherence, improve resource accessibility, and ensure alignment of services with LEAs’ needs, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration across all levels of support.

Call to Action: Education leaders and stakeholders are encouraged to review the detailed findings and implement the recommended strategies to ensure equitable support distribution and to foster an environment conducive to continuous educational improvement. Engage with the proposed improvements by providing feedback and participating in collaborative efforts to refine the SSOS.

California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) Priorities for 2024-2025

As the Executive Director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), I am excited to share our strategic priorities for the 2024-2025 school year. Our focus will be on four critical areas: A focus on data for statewide and student impact, Special Education targeted and intensive support development, coordination, collaboration, and integration of statewide Mathematics Leads, and Collaboration of statewide literacy leads. These areas are essential to enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring that the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) can meet the mission of California by providing a quality equitable education for every student.

1. Focus on Data

Objective: Build impact through an internal and external system focus.

• Internal System Focus: We will enhance our internal data systems to improve decision-making processes and measure our impact more effectively. This includes refining our data collection methods and leveraging advanced analytics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• External System Focus: Collaborating with local educational agencies (LEAs), we will provide data-driven insights to support their efforts in addressing educational challenges. By sharing best practices and successful strategies, we aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement across the state.

2. Special Education

Objective: Develop a model for targeted/intensive support for LEAs to address specific needs of Students with Disabilities.

• Targeted Support: We will work closely with LEAs to identify and address the unique needs of students with disabilities. This involves creating tailored intervention programs and providing specialized resources to ensure these students receive the support they need to succeed.
• Intensive Support: For LEAs requiring more comprehensive assistance, we will develop intensive support services within the SSOS. This includes the development of more intensive support systems for more intensive LEA needs.

3. Mathematics

Objective: Build coherence across all state-funded math leads with statewide impact by working with state partners to provide universal resources coordination to support the demands of the new math framework.

• State Partnerships: Collaborating with state educational partners, we will align our efforts to create a cohesive approach to mathematics education. This includes coordinating resources and initiatives to support the implementation of the new math framework.
• Resource Coordination: We will develop and disseminate universal resources, such as instructional materials and training programs, to ensure all educators have the tools they need to effectively teach the new math standards. Our goal is to promote consistency and high-quality math instruction across all schools.

4. Literacy

Objective: Work in partnership with the California Department of Education to develop a more coherent approach to state literacy initiatives.

• Coherence and Alignment: Partnering with state agencies and SSOS literacy leads, to align various literacy initiatives. This will help create a unified approach to literacy education, ensuring that all students have access to comprehensive and consistent literacy instruction.
• Support and Resources: We will assist in creating awareness and understanding of how to access universal support opportunities for LEAs including professional development opportunities, instructional resources, and evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy outcomes. Our focus will be on building capacity within schools to deliver effective literacy instruction.

In conclusion, the CCEE is committed to advancing educational excellence through a strategic focus on data, special education, mathematics, and literacy. By fostering collaboration, providing targeted support, and promoting coherence across state initiatives, we aim in partnership with our state lead agencies, to ensure that every student in California receives a high-quality equitable education that prepares them for future success.

Sincerely,

Matt Navo, Executive Director
California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE)

CCEE is pleased to announce the submission of two significant legislative reports. These reports introduce innovative tools and research aimed at enhancing policy and practice in education.

1. California Individualized Education Program (IEP) Expert Panel Report. This report outlines the process undertaken by the IEP expert panel to refine the existing IEP template, which is included in the report along with implementation recommendations. For inquiries, please contact Mindy Fattig at [email protected].

2. Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) 1.0 Final Report. Highlighting the achievements of the first phase of the CEI, this report highlights recent accomplishments and lays the groundwork for future development. The CEI team is excited to build upon this work and continue to provide resources and support to strengthen community engagement. Here is a short video taken from a recent Peer Leading and Learning Network (PLLN) convening in April that uplifts the energy and excitement that exists across the state for this important work. View Video Here For more details, please reach out to David Toston at [email protected].

If you have any questions about CCEE and how to engage with our resources and professional learning opportunities, please visit our website. Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our Podcast Rising from the Margins, Statewide System of Support Directory, and Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”