2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that nine California schools were selected for the California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. This award program identifies and recognizes schools with exemplary dual enrollment programs and allows these schools to share the exemplary programs and practices that have contributed to their success. All Early College High Schools, Middle College High Schools, and alternative education schools with dual enrollment programs were eligible to apply for the 2024–25 award.

“These programs are a beacon of excellence and equitable opportunity in California’s public schools,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Dual enrollment programs provide a unique option for public high school students who seek to accelerate their achievement, launch their careers, and access a high-quality free college education even before they walk the high school graduation stage.”

Source: 2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

2024 Middle Schools to Watch – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced that 52 high-performing California middle grades schools have been recognized as California Schools to Watch for 2024. To earn this designation, schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by middle grades experts. To retain the designation, each school is reevaluated every three years.

There are 16 new California Schools to Watch this year. An additional 36 schools reapplied to the program, demonstrated their sustained progress, and have been redesignated as 2024 California Schools to Watch. Altogether, there are 200 California Schools to Watch.

Source: 2024 Middle Schools to Watch – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI Announces 2024 Model Continuation High Schools – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 31 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools for 2024. Model Continuation High Schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school and are at risk of not completing their education.

“Congratulations to these outstanding schools for their all-around excellence as alternative centers of learning,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Teachers and administrators at our Model Continuation High Schools work to develop relationships with students to create a positive and personalized learning environment and provide them with opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the next chapter in their lives.”

Source: SPI Announces 2024 Model Continuation High Schools – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI and the CDE to Host a Mathematics Convening – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is calling all math educators and leaders, curriculum experts, researchers, industry professionals, and ed-tech innovators to a Mathematics Convening. The California Department of Education (CDE) will host “Proven Professional Development in Mathematics” on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CDE Board Room at 1430 N Street in Sacramento.

This is a pivotal opportunity to improve California students’ math proficiency and align education with the evolving demands of the jobs of tomorrow.

Interested participants are invited to contribute by submitting innovative and effective professional development modules, training programs, and curricula. The submissions should emphasize proven strategies for increasing student proficiency and engagement in mathematics.

Source: SPI and the CDE to Host a Mathematics Convening – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI Responds to Governor’s Proposed 2024–25 Budget – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed education budget for fiscal year 2024–25:

I am grateful to Governor Newsom that there are no major reductions or pullbacks in vital education programs. By preserving our Educator Workforce Investments, Community Schools Investments, and Learning Recovery Investments, we ensure that our students, families, and educators have what they need to improve literacy, math proficiency, and social–emotional wellness. We are pleased to see the Proposition 98 guarantee slightly up from its projected value but disappointed in the Average Daily Attendance decline, with COLA at 0.76 percent when it was projected to be at 3.5 percent.

Source: SPI Responds to Governor’s Proposed 2024–25 Budget – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

CA Receives $4.99M in SASI Grants – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

On Thursday, January 4, the United States Department of Education announced that the California Department of Education (CDE) is among the recipients of the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure (SASI) Grant Program. Through a SASI Grant, CDE will receive $4.99 million toward improving school facilities in small school districts across California.

“I am pleased that we have been able to secure this federal support for our rural districts. We know how important school facilities are in providing a safe and healthy environment for our students. We must make sure that safe, healthy, and up-to-date school facilities are available to children in every community,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Every student should be learning in an optimal environment that supports them to be healthy, safe, engaged, and challenged.”

Source: CA Receives $4.99M in SASI Grants – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

California School Dashboard 2023 Update Released – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

The 2023 California School Dashboard External link opens in new window or tab. is now online with data showing statewide improvements in student outcomes in several areas. The Dashboard is a key component of the state’s school accountability system, which includes the latest data on graduation rates, suspension rates, test scores, English Learner progress, the college/career indicator, chronic absenteeism, and local indicators.

Among other highlights, the 2023 Dashboard shows that students in California are graduating at higher levels than before the COVID-19 pandemic and are missing less class time year-over-year.

Source: California School Dashboard 2023 Update Released – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

2024 CA U.S. Senate Youth Program Representatives – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced two outstanding high school students to represent California in the 62nd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Aaron Combs of San Diego (San Diego County), a senior at Canyon Crest Academy in the San Dieguito Union High School District, and Emi Sakamoto of Culver City (Los Angeles County), a senior at Culver City High School in the Culver City Unified School District, were selected for their exceptional leadership skills, noteworthy commitments to their schools and communities, and academic and extracurricular achievements as California’s delegates in this highly competitive program.

“I am incredibly proud of and impressed by these extraordinary students, who are doing so much in their schools and communities to make a difference in the lives of others. Their significant accomplishments speak to their impressive character and dedication,” Thurmond said. “They will make excellent representatives for California.”

Source: 2024 CA U.S. Senate Youth Program Representatives – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI to Host Homeless Education Summit – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will host a homeless education summit to address homelessness among children and mitigate educational impacts caused by homelessness amid the ongoing housing crisis in California. This summit will bring together educators; city, county, and state officials; advocates; liaisons; service providers; and other key partners to develop cohesive statewide solutions to reduce student homelessness.

The summit is scheduled on Thursday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, 12830 Columbia Way in Downey. Immediately before the summit, Superintendent Thurmond will host a press event about homeless students at 9:30 a.m. at the same location. The press event will feature Superintendent Thurmond, who will be available for questions, and Holly Mitchell, Supervisor, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District; Miguel Santana, President and CEO, California Community Foundation; and Lindsey P. Horvath, Supervisor, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Third District. All media outlets are encouraged to attend.

Source: SPI to Host Homeless Education Summit – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

2022–23 California Statewide Assessment Results – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

The California Department of Education (CDE) released assessment results today that indicate the impact of the state recovery effort from the COVID-19 pandemic. The results include data for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). Additionally, the CDE released chronic absenteeism rates and “absence by reason” reports that reflect a promising trend of improved student attendance in school.

Given the ongoing drops in achievement appearing on many national tests and the relationship between student advantage and achievement, California’s statewide scores are particularly promising; the proportion of high-need students has also increased in California. Specifically, the proportion of students tested who are socioeconomically disadvantaged increased from 60 percent in 2022 to 63 percent in 2023, as shown in the chart below, and the number and share of students who are experiencing homelessness or who are part of the foster care system has also increased.

Source: 2022–23 California Statewide Assessment Results – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Teacher Shortage & Opioid Crisis Bills Become Law – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond celebrated the signing this week of several pieces of legislation he sponsored and supported, including measures that would help alleviate the teacher shortage, invest in bilingual teachers, and combat the youth opioid crisis.

“I’m pleased that these laws will secure a brighter future for our kids through increasing the teacher pipeline for bilingual teachers, making it easy for retired teachers to come back to classrooms, and providing a financial incentive for new prospective teachers,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “I’m also glad that California is taking another step forward to educate, prevent, and protect students from the opioid crisis, which has been a growing threat in recent years.”

Source: Teacher Shortage & Opioid Crisis Bills Become Law – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Local Control Funding Formula Equity Multiplier – Local Control Funding Formula (CA Dept of Education)

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Equity Multiplier (Equity Multiplier) provides additional funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) for allocation to schoolsites with prior year nonstability rates greater than 25 percent and prior year socioeconomically disadvantaged pupil rates greater than 70 percent. Pursuant to California Education Code (EC) 42238.024 External link opens in new window or tab. Equity Multiplier funding is required to be used to provide evidence-based services and supports for students at these schoolsites. LEAs are also required to document the efforts to improve outcomes for students at these schoolsites beginning with the 2024–25 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

Source: Local Control Funding Formula Equity Multiplier – Local Control Funding Formula (CA Dept of Education)

SPI Plans Statewide Student Improvement – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

On Monday, October 16, 2023, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the California Department of Education (CDE), and partners will unveil plans to drive improvements in statewide student performance. Thurmond intends to detail plans regarding proposed legislation to fund training for educators that is expected to increase student proficiency in math and reading over time. Thurmond will also highlight a deeper alignment in how billions of dollars in state education investments will be implemented to promote and measure student success.

“I am excited and hopeful as we launch new efforts and realign existing efforts to help create a statewide campaign to improve student proficiency,” said Thurmond. “We will be adding to the many efforts underway and helping our 1,000 districts link their individual approaches into a collective approach that has the promise to help us do more, serve more, and create better outcomes for youth on a statewide basis.”

Source: SPI Plans Statewide Student Improvement – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI to Receive Professional Excellence Award – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will be honored on Saturday, October 7, with the Excellence Award for exceptional work in education. This award will be given to Superintendent Thurmond by the youth mentoring nonprofit organization, 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, at their 7th Annual Gala for his efforts helping African American and underserved communities in the school system and his ongoing work at the California Department of Education (CDE) to address opportunity gaps.

“It is a great honor to be recognized with the Excellence Award for exceptional work in education by the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire,” said Thurmond. “It’s also an honor and my mission to serve California schools and all our communities. I look forward to continuing my work collaborating with educators and communities across the state to ensure every student receives opportunities and the quality education they deserve.”

Source: SPI to Receive Professional Excellence Award – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI-Sponsored Bill to Halt Book Bans Signed – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today celebrated the signing of Assembly Bill (AB) 1078 (Jackson), which bans “book bans” in schools, prohibits censorship of instructional materials, and strengthens California law requiring schools to provide all students access to textbooks that teach about California’s diverse communities. AB 1078, an urgency statute, took effect immediately when it was signed yesterday, and California is only one of two states enacting a law to halt book bans. AB1078 was one of several bills Superintendent Thurmond sponsored to strengthen supports for more inclusive education that were recently signed by the Governor.

“AB 1078 sends a strong signal to the people of California—but also to every American—that in the Golden State, we don’t ban books, we cherish them,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “This law will serve as a model for the nation that California recognizes and understands the moment we are in—and while some want to roll back the clock on progress, we are doubling down on forward motion. Rather than limiting access to education and flat-out banning books like other states, we are embracing and expanding opportunities for knowledge and education, because that’s the California way.”

Source: SPI-Sponsored Bill to Halt Book Bans Signed – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI’s Summit to Support Youth and Reduce Crime – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Amid reports of a spike in crime, including crimes committed by juveniles, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is developing a new program to help youth prepare for bright futures and to help prevent youth from engaging in crime.

Thurmond announced today that he will be working with partners to develop a paid internship program to help teens and young adults earn while they learn about career pathways. Youth will also be connected with career advisors who will help them learn about career and employment opportunities to ensure they have a secure role in the global economy in the years ahead, which will benefit not only themselves and their families but their respective surrounding communities.

Source: SPI’s Summit to Support Youth and Reduce Crime – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI Bills Now on Governor’s Desk for Signature – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Eleven bills sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and seven bills Thurmond supports have achieved a significant milestone: They were successfully passed by both the State Senate and the State Assembly. The bills, which largely address inclusive education, the teacher pipeline, and student well-being and success, are now on the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 14, 2023, to sign the bills into law.

“I’m pleased that these key pieces of legislation, which protect inclusive education, help open the teacher pipeline, and support the mental health and well-being of students, have passed the Legislature and are now being considered by the Governor,” Thurmond said. “This is an important step in building a brighter future for all of California’s students. I applaud the efforts of our legislators and everyone involved who worked on these important pieces of legislation.”

One of the key pieces of legislation to protect inclusive education is Assembly Bill (AB) 1078. Authored by Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Perris) and sponsored by Thurmond, AB 1078 will allow a fine to be assessed on any district that has insufficient instructional materials, especially in an attempt to discriminate against students of color or LGBTQ+ students. If signed into law by the Governor, an urgency clause would allow AB 1078 to take effect immediately.

Source: SPI Bills Now on Governor’s Desk for Signature – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI Doubles Down on Inclusive Education Efforts – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Against a backdrop of culture wars being waged by states and some California school districts, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education (CDE) are doubling down on efforts to promote inclusive education as a strategy to help improve student performance. Thurmond and the CDE announced a series of ethnic studies webinars that includes a “Train the Trainer” webinar on August 2 on how to use the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum guide that will be attended by more than 600 participants and a webinar on August 16 to help local educational agencies (LEAs) provide an ethnic studies graduation requirement by the 2026 state deadline to which all 1,000 LEAs in the state have been invited. Special guests and ethnic studies champions attending the August 16 webinar include labor movement icon Dolores Huerta; California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber; and former Assemblymember Jose Medina, who authored Assembly Bill (AB) 101, a bill that will make California the first state to require all students to complete a semester-long course in ethnic studies to earn a high school diploma. Thurmond sponsored AB 101.

Source: SPI Doubles Down on Inclusive Education Efforts – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SSPI Convenes Teacher Recruitment Summit – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will host a Teacher Recruitment Summit at the California Department of Education (1430 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) on August 14, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in State Board Room 1101. Thurmond and guests will address the media at 10:30 a.m.

The Teacher Recruitment Summit is open to individuals from all organizations focused on work in this area, which includes teacher credentialing programs, school districts and county offices of education, pipeline programs, and AmeriCorps programs. This event will formally launch a coalition to engage in direct recruitment of teacher candidates on a statewide basis.

Source: SSPI Convenes Teacher Recruitment Summit – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI Doubles Down on Inclusive Education Efforts – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Against a backdrop of culture wars being waged by states and some California school districts, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education (CDE) are doubling down on efforts to promote inclusive education as a strategy to help improve student performance. Thurmond and the CDE announced a series of ethnic studies webinars that includes a “Train the Trainer” webinar on August 2 on how to use the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum guide that will be attended by more than 600 participants and a webinar on August 16 to help local educational agencies (LEAs) provide an ethnic studies graduation requirement by the 2026 state deadline to which all 1,000 LEAs in the state have been invited. Special guests and ethnic studies champions attending the August 16 webinar include labor movement icon Dolores Huerta; California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber; and former Assemblymember Jose Medina, who authored Assembly Bill (AB) 101, a bill thatwill make California the first state to require all students to complete a semester-long course in ethnic studies to earn a high school diploma. Thurmond sponsored AB 101.

Source: SPI Doubles Down on Inclusive Education Efforts – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)