California’s Genuine Empathy Nurturing Intellect for Underserved Students (GENIUS) Initiative is now accepting applications from schools ready to tackle educational disparities head-on. This statewide program, led by Los Angeles, Kings, and Sonoma County Offices of Education, provides targeted support to build more inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.

What GENIUS Offers

Schools selected for the program gain access to specialized tiered support, high-impact professional learning opportunities, expert coaching, and Communities of Practice. Most importantly, they join a collaborative network of educators committed to closing equity gaps across California.

Application Details

Who Can Apply: All PreK-12 public schools and charter schools are eligible, with priority given to schools receiving Equity Multiplier Funding.  

Key Requirements: Participating schools must commit to building belonging, partnering with GENIUS Leads on data-driven improvements, engaging in professional learning and coaching, and securing district leadership support.

Important Dates:

• Program Launch: Fall 2025
• Application Deadline: September 5, 2025, 11:59 PM PT
• Selection Notification: October 2025

Upcoming GENIUS Event

Don’t miss the “Transforming Lives: Nurturing Seeds of Genius” conference in Fresno, CA, September 8-9, 2025. This two-day event features expert sessions on cultivating inclusive environments and supporting youth reentry transitions, offering practical strategies for empowering at-promise youth.

Register: kings.k12oms.org/89-264685

For additional information, review the CCEE Annual Report, visit the CCEE statewide evaluations webpage, statewide maps, and the Statewide System of Support.

In Spring 2025, Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) regained full local control of its schools after more than two decades under state receivership, a milestone that marks the culmination of deep-rooted, sustained efforts led by the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE), the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), and VCUSD. Their shared goal: build systems that prioritize equity, transparency, and outcomes for students most in need.

This powerful partnership exemplifies what is possible when agencies align around student-centered values and a shared theory of action. Their journey showcases the core values of Collaboration, Clarity, and Courage, values that guided every step of their work to rebuild trust, shift mindsets, and strengthen systems from within.

Building a Foundation for Local Control

VCUSD’s journey from fiscal crisis to local governance began with a bold step in 2018, when SCOE referred the district for CCEE’s Direct Technical Assistance (DTA). This move catalyzed a transformative partnership, allowing for the creation of cross-functional teams, aligned leadership structures, and data practices that focused on inquiry and improvement.

Superintendent Lisette Estrella-Henderson, who is retiring after more than 40 years in education, played a pivotal role. Her leadership helped solidify a countywide vision for supporting Vallejo, one rooted in collective responsibility and a belief in the potential of every student.

A Culture Shift: From Data Gaps to Shared Accountability

With new leadership, including VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio came renewed efforts to build a culture of trust and learning. SCOE and CCEE supported the development of structures that empowered school leaders, elevated teacher voice, and reestablished data as a tool for equity rather than compliance.

Key efforts included aligning site leadership teams, investing in the capacity of central office staff, and expanding professional learning through CCEE’s Superintendent Professional Learning Network. As a result, leaders across the district began using data collaboratively to drive improvement and build shared accountability for student success.

IAM in Action: Transforming a School, Inspiring a District

One standout example of this work is Federal Terrace Elementary School, a participant in CCEE’s Intensive Assistance Model (IAM). By implementing the Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work framework, Federal Terrace fostered a culture of teacher leadership, targeted instruction, and student-centered decision-making.

The results speak for themselves: the school now has the highest kindergarten reading scores in the district. More importantly, the model created a replicable structure of success that VCUSD is working to scale districtwide.

Sustainable Change, Enduring Impact

VCUSD’s fiscal recovery required difficult decisions, including school closures and budget cuts but was anchored by a commitment to preserving the academic core. Through it all, the district’s partnership with SCOE and CCEE ensured that decisions were informed by data and aligned with long-term goals for equity and excellence. This collaboration will continue as the team supports the district’s ongoing efforts to improve student academic outcomes through continuous improvement.

As Superintendent Estrella-Henderson transitions into retirement, her legacy is visible in the systems, partnerships, and trust built throughout this journey. The collaborative work in Solano County stands as a beacon for what sustainable change can look like when state, county, and local agencies move together with shared purpose.

This collaboration will continue as the team supports the district’s ongoing efforts to improve student academic outcomes through continuous improvement.

Below is an AI-generated podcast version of this Hot Topic for those who prefer audio. Listen in for a quick, narrated overview of the story.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.

As we move into the 2025–2026 school year, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) is sharpening its focus on integration and measurable impact across statewide educational efforts within the Statewide System of Support.  In partnership with state agencies and the Statewide System of Support (SSOS), our work will center on four priority areas: data for impact, special education integration, mathematics coherence, and a unified literacy network focused on integration/impact. These priorities reflect our commitment to advancing coherence, accelerating student outcomes, and building capacity across systems.

1. Data for Impact

We are aligning internal and external data efforts to improve decision-making, measure the effectiveness of our support, and provide actionable insights to LEAs. By integrating data use across SSOS partners, we aim to strengthen continuous improvement efforts and drive systemic change.

2. Special Education Integration

CCEE is designing in partnership with our state partners targeted and intensive models of support for LEAs for improved outcomes for students with disabilities. Through the District State Study Team Model, we will work to develop in collaboration with statewide partners alignment, coherence, and integration within SSOS, enabling LEAs to better meet the diverse needs of their students.

3. Statewide Mathematics Coherence

In collaboration with state-funded math leads and the California Department of Education, we will coordinate universal resources and professional learning supports aligned with the new math framework. This work will unify math implementation efforts and increase statewide access to high-quality instructional tools.

4. Unified Literacy Network

CCEE will partner with the CDE and statewide literacy leads to create a more cohesive approach to literacy initiatives. Through coordinated messaging, shared resources, and streamlined supports, we aim to improve access, alignment, and outcomes in literacy instruction across California

Our Commitment

By aligning initiatives, integrating resources, and foster stronger collaboration across systems, CCEE remains focused on delivering high-impact support that advances educational equity and excellence for every student in California.

For additional information, review the CCEE Annual Report, visit the CCEE statewide evaluations webpage, statewide maps, and the Statewide System of Support.

The 2024/25 Annual Report from the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) highlights a year of impactful, equity-driven work across more than 528 local educational agencies—reaching 2.5 million students. Behind these numbers are real shifts: improved academic outcomes, stronger student engagement, and reductions in absenteeism and suspensions. Through over 40 targeted initiatives—like the African American Student Success Network, Data Literacy and Leadership Academy, and Direct Technical Assistance—CCEE demonstrates how strategic partnerships within the Statewide System of Support translate complex challenges into meaningful, measurable change.

What sets CCEE apart is its commitment to coherence and sustainability. By combining data-informed leadership with authentic community voice, it helps districts move beyond reactive cycles toward lasting transformation. Whether it’s rural schools implementing literacy interventions or urban systems rethinking student belonging, CCEE enables the kind of long-term capacity-building essential to making statewide initiatives—like Universal TK and Community Schools—work where it matters most: in classrooms and communities.

Call to Action:

Want the full story behind California’s education transformation? Download CCEE’s complete 2024-25 Annual Report to explore detailed case studies, outcome data, and innovative strategies that are reshaping how we support students. The data-driven insights and success stories offer essential context for understanding what’s working—and what’s possible—in California education.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE statewide evaluations webpage, statewide maps and the Statewide System of Support website.

The California Statewide System of Support: A Foundation for Excellence

California’s Statewide System of Support represents a comprehensive approach to educational accountability that leverages coordination, collaboration, and integration across County Offices of Education (COEs), Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), and charter schools. This vital system provides coordinated, needs-based, and differentiated resources at universal, targeted, and intensive levels—all designed to close opportunity gaps and improve outcomes for every student.

The new one-page summary presenting evaluation data reveals remarkable progress in how educational entities work together. Coordination efforts have strengthened dramatically, with 63% of staff now reporting that statewide agencies provide useful support in clarifying roles and responsibilities—more than double the 29% reported in 2020. Collaboration has flourished, with 71% of staff confirming that statewide agencies effectively build collaborative opportunities between lead agencies. Most importantly, integration is taking hold, with 73% of staff reporting their organizational activities are now aligned with fellow agencies, compared to just 54% in 2020.

Geographic Lead Agencies: Regional Catalysts for Change

The seven Geographic Lead Agencies, strategically housed within nine County Offices of Education, serve as the backbone of regional support networks. From Kern County to San Diego, from Shasta to Santa Clara, these agencies focus on four strategic areas: facilitating partnerships, building capacity, engaging in continuous improvement, and providing universal and targeted support.

The new one-page summary on Geo Lead impact demonstrates the critical link to the success of the larger Statewide System of Support. An impressive 95% of COE respondents report their Geographic Lead Agency has helped facilitate trusting relationships among counties—the foundation for all meaningful collaboration. Building on this trust, 82% confirm their Geo Lead provides access to high-quality professional learning opportunities, while 84% report their Geo Lead models continuous improvement in its own work. Perhaps most critically for student outcomes, 80% of counties now report improved capacity to use data for identifying performance gaps across demographic groups.

Integrated Impact: A System Greater Than Its Parts

Together, these evaluation results paint a picture of educational transformation that extends far beyond individual programs or initiatives. The Statewide System of Support and Geographic Lead Agencies have created a synergistic network where coordination enables collaboration, collaboration drives integration, and integration produces measurable results for students.

The evidence is compelling: role clarity has more than doubled since 2020, collaborative time investment has increased by 50%, and shared understanding of success has nearly doubled. Counties report dramatic improvements in their capacity to provide differentiated assistance (from 64% to 73%) and their ability to support LEAs in data-driven decision making (from 63% to 80%). This isn’t incremental change—it’s systematic transformation.

Most importantly, this coordinated approach is reaching the classroom level. Counties report implementing coaching for teachers, expanding professional development opportunities, and shifting from compliance-focused mindsets to genuine continuous improvement processes—all direct results of their work within this integrated system.

Call to Action:

California has created a blueprint for educational excellence that other states are watching closely. These evaluation results prove that coordinated, collaborative, and integrated support systems can drive meaningful change for students. But this success depends on continued engagement from educational leaders at every level.

Educational leaders, superintendents, and county office personnel: Download both overview documents to understand how your organization can maximize its connection to this proven system. Whether you’re seeking to enhance differentiated assistance, expand professional learning opportunities, or strengthen regional partnerships, your Geographic Lead Agency stands ready to support your efforts.

Policymakers and stakeholders: These results demonstrate the power of sustained investment in coordinated educational support. Use this evidence to advocate for continued funding and expansion of these proven approaches.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE statewide evaluations webpage, statewide maps and the Statewide System of Support website.

Over the past three years, Madera Unified School District has emerged as a leader in educational transformation through the Intensive Assistance Model (IAM), an initiative developed by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). Launched in 2022–2023, the IAM was designed to provide deep, sustained support for districts seeking to raise student achievement and improve instructional practices through collaboration, coaching, and continuous improvement.

🔍 What is the Intensive Assistance Model?

All participating LEAs in the IAM used funding resources to partner with an expert provider in building and sustaining collaborative teams focused on teaching and learning. For this cohort of the initiative, all LEAs choose to partner with Solution Tree as a collaborating partner. In doing so, they implemented the PLC at Work® framework—to implement research-based strategies that promote:

Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Common formative assessments
Actionable, data-informed teaching
Strong instructional leadership and coaching

Each participating school is paired with a certified associate and supported in developing a tailored action plan focused on equity and outcomes. The work is intensive, deeply embedded, and ongoing—aimed at sustainable, systems-level change.

📈 Results at the Close of the 3-Year Pilot

Now at the conclusion of the pilot phase, Madera Unified has achieved extraordinary results. All IAM-participating schools in the district have been nationally recognized for their commitment to improving learning conditions and outcomes for students:

• 🥇 Nishimoto Elementary has been awarded the National Model PLC at Work® School designation—the highest level of recognition.
  Eligibility for this honor requires:
  
  • At least 3 years of full PLC implementation
    
  • Strong student achievement data, especially for underserved populations
    
  • Evidence of systemic structures and a culture of continuous improvement
    
• 🌱 Washington Elementary and Sierra Vista Elementary have each received the National Promising Practices Award, a vital first step toward becoming a Model PLC at Work® school.
  Eligibility includes:
  
  • 1–2 years of implementation
    
  • Documented gains in student learning
    
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaboration and results-oriented practices
    

🏆 Why These Awards Matter

These awards are not just symbolic—they validate years of hard work by educators, leaders, and students. They reflect:

• A shared mission to build inclusive, high-functioning learning communities
  
• The ability to turn strategic vision into measurable outcomes
  
• A commitment to equity, with documented growth among English learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students
  

Most importantly, they confirm that Madera Unified is on the forefront of school transformation—not only meeting high standards but setting them.

As the IAM continues to scale across California, Madera’s success offers a clear and inspiring roadmap for what’s possible when commitment meets capacity. The future of educational excellence is already here—and it started in Madera.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.

Across the 2022, 2023, and 2024 California School Dashboards, foster youth have consistently been among the highest-frequency student groups prompting eligibility for differentiated assistance. As Local Education Agencies (LEAs) collaborate with their communities to set Local Control and Accountability (LCAP) goals that address disparities across student group performance, a new resource is now available to enhance their efforts to support foster youth.

Weaving Connections: Collaborative Support for Foster Youth in California Schools is a dynamic e-learning series presented by the CSU Center to Close the Opportunity Gap and the San Jose State University Center for Innovation in Applied Education Policy. These modules highlight the critical, interconnected roles of teachers, school counselors, school social workers, school administrators, and school psychologists. By deepening understanding of each role’s responsibilities, the training empowers school communities to foster stronger collaboration, leading to more cohesive and effective support networks for foster youth.

This training is essential for anyone working within school environments who is committed to supporting “at-promise” students. Strengthening local support teams not only enhances day-to-day practices but also provides valuable strategies that can be integrated and tracked through LCAPs.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.

As LEAs juggle state testing, year-end projects, and LCAP development, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) is excited to introduce the upgraded Levers for System Change self-assessment tool. Available via the System of Support (SSOS) Toolkit, this enhanced version is designed to support strategic planning and evaluation efforts across districts.

Key new features include:

• Multi-user collaboration for team-based assessments
• AI-powered recommendations based on assessment results, pulling from the CCEE Resource Hub
• Live updates for seamless, real-time teamwork
• Automated categorization of results into strengths and areas for growth
• Refreshed content aligned with current educational priorities, including MTSS, ELs, LTELs, and special education
• Improved UI/UX for a more intuitive experience

The tool helps LEAs evaluate their infrastructure across six foundational components, guiding their continuous improvement journey. To begin, users must register for an account. Start leveraging this powerful system-planning tool to drive meaningful student outcomes.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.

The African American Student Success Network (AASSN), a partnership between the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), is entering its third year of supporting LEAs in advancing equity for Black students.

Through cross-district collaboration, evidence-based strategies, and the strategic use of data, AASSN empowers educational leaders to identify and dismantle systemic barriers that impact African American student outcomes. At the recent 2025 CAAASA Summit, participating districts showcased bold, equity-centered work, highlighting efforts to reduce disproportionality, improve engagement, and elevate student and family voice.

To support continued learning and impact, the network has released two new resources: a presentation slide deck featuring district case studies, and a session handout summarizing core strategies.

Together, we are building the capacity for transformational change, grounded in brave leadership and a commitment to student success. To learn more and access resources, visit the African American Student Success Network resource page.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.