The Challenge We Face

As we navigate the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, it’s clear that California’s students and educators face a critical juncture. The stark reality is this: student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math has suffered, attendance rates have plummeted, and mental health, social development, and behavioral challenges are more prevalent than ever. Teachers, tasked with the monumental role of educating our youth, are often isolated, lacking the support and collaborative opportunities needed to excel in their roles.

A Beacon of Hope: The Intensive Assistance Model Pilot

In response to these challenges, the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence has launched the Intensive Assistance Model (IAM) pilot project. This initiative isn’t just another program; it’s a beacon of hope, a pathway to rebuilding and revitalizing our education system. The heart of this project is the Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work model, which empowers teachers as instructional leaders. It focuses on collaborative planning, data analysis, and the creation of tailored interventions based on individual student needs.

Promising Results and the Road Ahead

The early results are inspiring. A recent report from PACE, found that schools involved in the pilot are not just recovering; they’re thriving. They report improved academic outcomes, increased teacher satisfaction, and a newfound ability to swiftly and effectively respond to students’ needs. However, these successes aren’t just self-contained victories. They are proof of what can be achieved with the right support, collaboration, and leadership.

Call to Action:

1. Educators and School Leaders: Explore the Intensive Assistance Model pilot project findings to understand the PLC at Work model and the strategies to support teacher collaborative structures.
2. Policymakers and Educational Authorities: Learn about the Intensive Assistance Model and PLC at Work model to explore funding and policies that support collaborative teaching models and provide the necessary resources for effective implementation.

The Road to Educational Excellence

The PLC at Work model aligns seamlessly with California’s educational policies, emphasizing continuous improvement and local control. It’s adaptable, scalable, and, most importantly, centers on empowering those who know our students best – our teachers.

Join us in this mission to transform California’s educational landscape. Together, we can overcome the challenges of the post-pandemic era and pave the way for a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

#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 Statewide System of Support Directory, Podcast Rising from the Margins and Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

The educational landscape is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation is the power of community engagement. Recognizing its importance, the Community Engagement Initiative has announced an in-depth training series aimed at deepening pupil, family, and community involvement in schools. These comprehensive resources and modules are designed to foster effective engagement strategies.

Purpose and Objectives: The training series, set to launch on December 1, 2023, was developed in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, San Diego County Office of Education, Eskolta, University of San Diego, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Families In Schools, California Association for Bilingual Educators, WestEd, Dr. Jennifer Edic-Bryant, Inform2Inspire, and the California Community Schools Partnership Program. The goal is to equip key school staff with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to enhance their community and family engagement strategies, per the mandate in Education Code Section 52073.3. By participating in these trainings, local school agencies and staff will gain best practice insights into effectively engaging with students, families, communities, and school staff to strengthen the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process.

Training Modules Overview:

• Collaborative Leadership Structures: Focuses on shifting power dynamics in community schools for more inclusive decision-making.
• Community Partnerships for Systems Change: Teaches the importance of building trust and active participation in community engagement.
• Engaging Your Community from the Roots Up: Explores the fundamental components of effective community engagement.
• Enhancing Engagement for LCAP Design: Discusses community engagement in the context of the Local Control and Accountability Plan.
• Positive Community Engagement for School Administrators: Emphasizes the role of school leadership in fostering community relations.
• Parents, Families, and Caregivers as Equal Partners: Aims to empower families in the educational process.
• Progress Monitoring and Evaluation: Offers tools for evaluating school improvement efforts.
• Walking Alongside Communities: Focuses on building authentic partnerships with community-based organizations.

Impact and Implications:

This training series is a monumental step towards redefining the role of community in education. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge, it aims to create a more collaborative, inclusive, and effective learning environment. The series not only addresses current educational challenges but also paves the way for future innovations in community engagement.

Call to Action:

I encourage educators, administrators, and community members to participate in the training series. It emphasizes the importance of their feedback and active involvement in shaping an educational system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it serves. The new training series is more than just a set of modules; it’s a movement towards a more engaged, inclusive, and effective educational system. It’s an invitation to all stakeholders to come together, learn, and contribute to the betterment of education through active community engagement.

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 Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

CCEE’s Hot Topics Blog Update: Exciting News: Launch of CCEE Statewide System of Support Directory!

We are thrilled to unveil a comprehensive and user-friendly tool that is set to revolutionize the way educational support is accessed across California – the CCEE Statewide System of Support (SSOS) searchable directory!

A Unified Resource Hub

For the first time ever, we are bringing together a plethora of vital contact information, spanning state, regional, county, and local LEA levels, all under one digital roof. This initiative is a giant leap towards ensuring equity and seamless access to the Statewide System of Support, ultimately enhancing student outcomes throughout the vibrant state of California.

Navigate with Ease

Navigating through the directory is a breeze! For initiatives with specific geographic support regions such as Geographic Leads, Regional English Learners, and the Educator Workforce Investment Grant, a simple click will reveal the counties served by each lead, providing you with the exact information you need, right when you need it.

Keeping Information Current

We understand that change is constant, and keeping information up-to-date is crucial. Should you come across any details that need a refresh, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa Hodgson at [email protected]. Your proactive approach ensures that we are always in sync and ready to serve with accuracy and efficiency.

Spread the Word

The power of community cannot be overstated. We encourage you to share the directory far and wide within your educational networks. By doing so, we collectively amplify the reach of the outstanding work and support available through the SSOS, fostering an environment where every student in California has the opportunity to thrive.

A Tool for Impact

We are optimistic and excited about the potential impact of this directory on student achievement. By granting easier access to the vast array of supports and services offered by the SSOS, we are taking a significant step forward in our collective journey toward educational excellence.

Call to Action

Join us in celebrating this milestone and help us spread the word. Together, let’s continue to nurture and support the educational landscape of California, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all students. Explore the CCEE Statewide System of Support directory today and discover the world of support at your fingertips!

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 Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

CCEE’s Hot Topics Blog Update: State of the American Student Report, by Center for Reinventing Public Education, Fall 2023: CCEE Hot Topics.

Featured Topic – The Center for Reinventing Public Education: This week we feature Robin Lake, Director and Professor of Practice at the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) at Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Robin reviewed CRPE’s recently released report titled The State of the American Student: We are Failing Older Students, Bold Ideas to Change Course. The report and summary can be found here: Executive Summary and Report. We look forward to your feedback and reactions to the report.

Statewide Context: much has transpired for education, but how it is specifically affecting students and how our investments are falling short is the focus of this report. 

Call to Action: The report called for local and state leaders to do several things to address the challenges highlighted in this report: Radical Transparency around the way we look and talk publicly about student data, conduct a State of the Student Report of your own and Innovate around practices that force the current system to stay as it is!

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 Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

Fresno Unified Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant

Superintendent, Bob Nelson, describes how FUSD is addressing student well-being needs through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, led by Michael Funk from the California Department of Education.

Dive deeper: Please find attached two slide decks about California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. There is a slide deck that provides background information should you want additional information and specifics about the program.

Slide Deck ELOP and FUSD

Background Information (ELOP)

Statewide Context: Bob Nelson, Superintendent of Fresno Unified, and Michael Funk, Director of CDE ELOP Division,  provide insights into how FUSD is using ELOP to address post-pandemic learning needs, chronic absenteeism, community and Students with Disabilities needs. 

Call to Action: If you need innovative thinking related to how to use ELOP funding the above slides are incredibly helpful at helping share some ideas!
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 most recent Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

Redefining the Classroom: The Rise and Refinement of Hybrid Learning in America

Districts nationwide are overcoming the initial challenges of pandemic-induced hybrid learning, showcasing the benefits of evolved, effective hybrid models. Leveraging both virtual and in-person learning platforms, these new models offer a wide range of affordable courses, address teacher shortages, and foster successful credit recovery initiatives. ERS supports these strides with an inclusive toolkit featuring a vision paper, a how-to guide, and inspiring case studies from successful districts, offering a blueprint for revolutionizing high school education.

Call to Action

Don’t let the past dictate the future of hybrid learning. Discover how schools are turning the tide, utilizing improved hybrid learning models to shape a new educational landscape. Learn from the success stories and explore the comprehensive toolkit from ERS to guide your district towards a brighter, more flexible educational future. Let’s redefine what school means!

Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our most recent Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”

On August 13, 2023, the State Board of Education engaged in a discussion regarding the proposed Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) template.  Our team has been represented on the state LCAP Advisory Group.  

Item 02: the Proposed Revisions to the Local Control and Accountability Plan and Annual Update Template and Instructions, was replaced with a corrected version that shows the track changes revisions to the Current Local Control and Accountability Plan and Annual Update Template and Instructions reflected in Attachment 2.

See link to Item 2 Attachment LCAP Template presented to the State Board on September 13, 2023.

See link to LCAP track changes in Ed. Code

If you have any questions about what is being proposed please contact Michelle Magyar at [email protected].  If you have missed weekly blogs past, please see the link to our past  “Hot Topics Weekly” for AC members.

Stay Ahead in Education! 📚 Check out our most recent Friday 5! Join CCEE’s ListServ & Calendar Updates to Never Miss an Event. Sign Up Now for Limitless Learning Opportunities. 🌟 #CCEEConnections”