Category: CCEE BLOG

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the Spotlight Project emerges as a beacon of progress and practicality. This groundbreaking initiative celebrates the innovative, inclusive, and shareable practices that Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) have developed to enhance student outcomes across our state. By distilling each success story into actionable insights, the Spotlight Project not only showcases emerging best practices but also provides reproducible strategies and essential resources. This serves as an invaluable toolkit for other LEAs looking to tackle similar challenges.

The Spotlight Project highlights key areas of impact, including:

• Enhancing Student Academic Outcomes: The project spotlights strategies that have significantly improved academic performance, offering a roadmap for others to replicate this success.
• Boosting Student and Family Engagement and Well-being: It shares initiatives that strengthen the bonds between schools, students, and their families, fostering a supportive educational environment.
• Supporting Staff and Community: The Spotlight Project highlights efforts to empower educational staff and effectively engage community resources, creating a resilient support network for students.

We invite all educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to dive To learn more about these innovative practices and how you can get involved, click here to explore the Spotlight Project in depth.deeper into the transformative practices shared through the Spotlight Project.

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”

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our latest podcast, “Rising from the Margins!” This podcast, Episode 3,  showcases the inspiring journey of H.W. Harkness Elementary in the Sac City Unified School District and their collaboration with the CCEE under the Intensive Assistance Model (IAM).

The IAM is dedicated to establishing National Model Schools that prioritize collaboration with an intensive focus on teaching and learning. This partnership entails a three-year commitment to transform H.W. Harkness Elementary into a replicable model for the Sac City School District. Moreover, it aims to provide a roadmap for school improvement that can be scaled across the district and extended to support other districts under CCEE Direct Technical Assistance.

We invite you to tune in and discover the remarkable story of H.W. Harkness as they undergo an incredible school transformation.

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”

The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), in partnership with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and other organizations, is hosting “open door” sessions to showcase innovative ideas and best practices from educational practitioners. These sessions aim to highlight effective tools, resources, and strategies based on the Whole Child Design Framework to support student learning.

The open door sessions provide a platform for county office and district staff across the state to learn from each other and connect further through smaller “Special Interest Group” sessions. Presenters from LEAs will be available to address specific questions and share their experiences.

Upcoming sessions include:

• April 26: Preparing for a ‘new normal’: climate emergencies and their impacts on schools. the rising threat of climate emergencies on our schools and communities. We’ll hear from districts impacted by extreme weather events, from flooding to wildfires to extreme heat, and we’ll hear from an LEA who is leading on the prevention and preparedness we can all be doing to keep students safe, healthy, and in school during these times.
• April 30: Ethel Phillips Elementary School in Sacramento City Unified will review their implementation of the “whole-child” approach and considerations for site level leaders. This session will also review the latest report by The Center for Whole-Child Education “Strengthening Coherence Across Initiatives: A Whole-Child Lens,” discuss best practices, and provide actionable tips for promoting coherence in educational communities.
• May 8: During this session, the Rural Math Collaborative leadership team will describe their dynamic approach to accelerating learning in mathematics by supporting member counties and LEAs with instructional coaching, intervention, and Lesson Study. Additionally, you will learn about RMC’s newly released asynchronous course, developed by the CMP and freely available statewide, that can help your school or district deepen knowledge of the new Mathematics Framework.

To access materials from past sessions, visit the CCEE Resource Center.

For information on upcoming Open Door sessions, check the Open Door Event Calendar.

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”

In line with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence’s (CCEE) strategic commitment to reducing friction and enhancing coherence within the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) for Local Education Agencies (LEAs), we are pleased to share the Center for Whole-Child Education’s latest report: “Strengthening Coherence Across Initiatives: A Whole-Child Lens.” This pivotal report emerges at a time when educators throughout California face the challenging task of deciphering and integrating numerous state-wide initiatives. By drawing on a unified whole-child approach, the report illuminates the intrinsic connections and shared values underpinning these diverse initiatives, offering a fresh perspective that seeks to simplify and align efforts. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights and practical strategies from experienced educational leaders, aimed at fostering a more cohesive and streamlined approach to system-wide improvement. This comprehensive guide is an essential resource for educators aiming to enhance coherence and ensure consistent application of whole-child practices across California’s educational landscape.

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”

Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) is a statewide initiative in California that is dedicated to improving the relationships between Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), such as school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education, and their local communities. Administered by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence and the San Diego County Office of Education, CEI partners with Eskolta School Research and Design and the University of San Diego to bring about positive change in our education system.

What’s in Store for Cohort V?
As a member of Cohort V, you will have the unique opportunity to engage with passionate educators and community leaders from across the state. CEI hosts a series of in-person and online gatherings throughout the year, where you’ll lead and learn from your peers on a wide range of community engagement topics and strategies. Plus, we’ve got you covered with travel costs and an additional stipend for your valuable participation!

Ready to Take the Next Step?
For all the details on the application process, requirements, commitments, deadlines, and the fantastic benefits of joining CEI, please visit our website by clicking on the button below. 

Feel free to share this exciting news with colleagues, friends, and anyone who might be interested in joining Cohort V of the Community Engagement Initiative. Together, we can create meaningful change and strengthen the bond between education and communities in our state.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared mission.

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”

In recent months, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) has been at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative, leading a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Advisory Group. Comprised of both internal and external partners, this group embarked on a mission to explore and evaluate California’s infrastructure in supporting UDL in education. The resultant memo synthesizes their findings and recommendations, underlining the need for a strategic, systemic approach to UDL’s expansion in California. This blog will delve into the key insights from the memo, outlining the path towards a more inclusive and effective educational system in the state.

Understanding the UDL Landscape

The UDL Advisory Group’s work was informed by collaborative efforts between CCEE and pivotal organizations like the California Coalition for Inclusive Learning (CCIL), Open Access, and Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP). In addition, empathy interviews with frontline educators and practitioners were conducted, offering a comprehensive view of the UDL landscape in California’s education system.

Four Critical Areas of Discussion

The data collection and analysis led to the identification of four critical areas that require attention and action to drive UDL forward in California:

• Awareness: The first area of concern centers around educators’ awareness of UDL and its significance within the existing instructional systems in California. Do educators understand the “why” behind UDL and how it fits into the broader educational framework?

• Alignment: Is there a coherent alignment between the state’s support system and the foundational concepts of UDL? Are California educators equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement UDL principles in their classrooms?

• Application: Are educators provided with statewide systems that motivate, prepare, and consistently support the incremental application of UDL in their classrooms? Do existing educational systems facilitate or inhibit the adoption of UDL-style instruction?

• Assessment: How can educators measure the effectiveness of UDL implementation at various levels, from the classroom to the district? To what extent are existing assessment measures universally designed to accommodate diverse learners?

The Call for Action
The memo concludes with a resounding call to action for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders in California’s education system. The recommendations are as follows:

• Develop a Coherent Vision: Policymakers are urged to prioritize a strategic, systemic approach to UDL’s expansion. This includes crafting a compelling vision for implementing UDL in California, emphasizing its coherence with best instructional practices and tiered levels of support.
• Support Flexible Resources: Promote, encourage, and fund the development of curriculum and resources that align with UDL principles. These resources should be flexible and supportive, catering to diverse learning needs.
• Align Timelines and Evaluations: Align timelines and evaluations of existing state funding initiatives with a focus on UDL. Facilitate collaboration and integration between these initiatives to ensure a cohesive approach to UDL implementation.
• Enhance Best First Instruction: Shift the focus of future initiatives towards enhancing best first instruction and supporting the whole child. Avoid relying solely on special education as the primary application of UDL.

The release of the UDL memo by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence is a pivotal moment in the state’s educational landscape. It highlights the urgent need for a systemic transformation that embraces Universal Design for Learning as a core principle. By addressing the areas of awareness, alignment, application, and assessment, California can create a more inclusive, equitable, and effective education system that empowers all learners to thrive. The call to action provides a clear roadmap for policymakers and educators to follow as they work towards this important goal. It’s time for California to lead the way in reimagining education for the 21st century.

The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) has made equitable access to educational resources and support a central priority for 2024. To achieve this, we are focused on minimizing obstacles and “friction” within the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) that make it difficult for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to understand and access available resources.

A significant solution is the creation of the Statewide System of Support Resource Hub – an online portal that consolidates information and resources from state programs and initiatives into a single, universally accessible source. Over 130 resources are currently available.

The Statewide System of Support was established to ensure all LEAs in California have access to essential expertise and support. However, there are challenges in coordinating and delivering these resources equitably and in a timely manner. The new Resource Hub aims to increase availability and accessibility of crucial resources for all County Offices of Education, districts, charter schools and educational partners.

The CCEE is working with the California Department of Education and other educational partners to transform the state’s educational landscape and ensure every student has the chance to thrive, regardless of location. The Resource Hub is a game-changer in working towards more educational equity and excellence across California.

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”

by CCEE Executive Director, Matt J. Navo

Part II of “Rising From the Margins-Inglewood Unified” focuses on three essential elements needed for the Intensive Assistance Model to succeed at Highland Elementary: Leadership, Culture, and Coherence. Teachers engage in shared leadership to establish common language, continuous collaboration, and consistent communication. This allows them to discover and solve instructional challenges in real-time.

Key Highlights:

1. The Intensive Assistance Model is guided by key questions about student learning and teacher response.
2. Teachers value the increased collaboration time, sharing what works and what doesn’t.
3. The district prioritizes this collaboration, listening to what teachers need to be effective instructors.

As one Guiding Coalition teacher noted:

One of the things I’ve loved the most about it…is the collaboration piece. The focus is really on how everyone can collaborate with each other. And I think for so long with receivership and then COVID, so many teachers were acting in isolation. There wasn’t a lot of collaboration going on. And so everyone’s feeling so stretched doing all these extra things and yet not collaborating with other people…because some of the sharing is also things that don’t work, you know, so we can learn from those too…really trying to find time for teachers to have that collaboration time is our goal …so the school and the district making it a priority just means that it allows you to actually be able to do it. So I think the benefit to this collaboration time is the district is also listening in. What do teachers really need to learn and what are the tools and skills that they really need to be more effective instructors and teach the curriculum?

Call to Action:
The collaboration facilitated by the Intensive Assistance Model is key to teacher development and student success. School districts should follow Highland Elementary’s model by providing designated collaboration time for teachers. This allows for real-time problem solving and innovation through a shared leadership culture focused on student learning outcomes.

#JoinIAMMovement #EducationRevolution #CaliforniaSchools

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”

In the challenging yet rewarding field of education, the mental health and well-being of educators are paramount. Recently, a vibrant discussion amongst 22 county and local superintendents from the CCEE Advisory Council anchored around the following question: What innovations, policies, structures, and strategies are you using that might be good considerations for state policymakers when it comes to the improved mental health and well-being of educators? 

The insights shared provide invaluable guidance for state policymakers and educational leaders, emphasizing innovative strategies to support educator mental health.

The Power of Partnerships and Communication

Ventura County Office of Education’s collaboration with MIT exemplifies the power of partnerships in exploring compassionate systems. The Systems Leadership Learning Network is an approach that can significantly impact how educators handle stress and maintain mental health. Similarly, the “squad” model shared by Hemet Unified School District, where principals are grouped to facilitate shared learning and communication, and the daily morning check-ins for administrators, underscore the importance of effective communication structures in promoting mental well-being.

Shared Learning and Support Networks

Kings Canyon Unified shared that the use of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) was highlighted as a critical strategy for shared learning and support among educators. Such models not only enhance professional development but also provide a support network to alleviate work-related stress. To learn more about building the infrastructure to support this deep collaboration among teachers, we encourage you to listen to Rising from the Margins podcast episodes. 

Understanding and Addressing Challenges for New Educators

The discussion recognized that new Superintendents or those with less diverse experience might face more significant challenges in stress management. This insight calls for tailored support strategies for these educators.

Survey Insights and Holistic Approaches

Modesto Unified School District recently distributed a districtwide survey that resulted in a high response rate and revealed mental health as a priority concern. Effective solutions like addressing burnout, setting boundaries, fostering gratitude, and encouraging physical wellness strategies were identified. These approaches stress the need for a holistic view of educator well-being.

The Role of Wellness Champions and Accessible Resources

The importance of having a wellness champion and providing free resources for staff was another vital point discussed. These champions can play a crucial role in advocating for and implementing wellness initiatives within educational institutions.

The Human Connection

Advisory members emphasized the necessity of finding ways to connect as humans beyond professional roles. This human connection is crucial in creating a supportive and empathetic educational environment.

Flexibility and Stress Management

The case of a successful new Principal stepping down due to stress highlights the urgent need to make roles more flexible and less stressful. This is a call to reevaluate job structures to better support educators.

Kindness as a Core Value

Gary Waddell’s sharing of Santa Clara Unified’s “Kindness Campaign” illustrates the impact of promoting kindness and connection alongside achievement. This campaign has been well-received, demonstrating the positive effects of such values on staff and community morale.

A Call to Action: Implementing Change for Better Mental Health

This rich discussion brings to the forefront actionable strategies that can significantly improve the mental health and well-being of educators. As stakeholders in education, here’s how you can contribute:

• Advocate for Partnerships: Encourage your educational institution to form partnerships focusing on mental health and compassionate systems.
• Implement Support Structures: Promote the adoption of models like the “squad” system or regular check-ins for enhanced communication and support.
• Support New Educators: Develop tailored support programs for educators new to the profession.
• Promote Holistic Wellness: Encourage initiatives that address mental health from multiple angles, including physical wellness and gratitude practices.
• Champion Wellness Leaders: Identify and support wellness champions within your institutions.
• Foster Human Connections: Create environments that prioritize human connections and empathy.
• Advocate for Flexibility: Work towards more flexible job structures that reduce stress and burnout.
• Promote Kindness and Connection: Incorporate values like kindness into your educational culture.

By taking these steps, we can collectively create a more supportive and healthy environment for our educators, ultimately leading to a more effective and nurturing educational system for all.

#EducatorWellBeing #InnovativeEducationLeadership #CaliforniaSchools

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”