California Department of Education
Recent News About California Department of Education
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Tony Thurmond announces model school attendance review board recipients for 2024
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, announced that 23 school attendance review boards (SARBs) have been designated as model programs by the State SARB. This recognition is for their exemplary practices that contribute to reducing chronic absenteeism rates and improving student attendance.
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California awards $1.3 billion for community schools implementation
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced that the California State Board of Education (SBE) has approved $1.3 billion in community schools implementation grants. This approval, proposed by the California Department of Education (CDE), marks the ongoing expansion and third cohort of the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP).
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Honors and Celebrates Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week in Santa Ana Unified
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond made a special visit to Godinez Fundamental High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District on May 6, 2024, to recognize and appreciate teachers during the school's annual "Teacher Appreciation Breakfast."Expressing his gratitude, Superintendent Thurmond stated, "I want to thank all the outstanding teachers here and across California as we ring in Teacher Appreciation Week. You are the architects of knowledge, shaping the future one lesson at a time."Reflecting on his own education, Superintendent Thurmond...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 California Finalists in Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond commended three exceptional educators from California today as finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Thurmond expressed, “These amazing teachers model excellence in how we prepare California students for the challenges and advancements of the future. Let me offer my sincere congratulations to these educators, whom we honor for their leadership and instructional practices and how they are inspiring a new generation with passion and talent for science,...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the recipients of the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year. Thurmond expressed his admiration for the dedication of these individuals, stating, "My heartfelt congratulations go to these outstanding employees for going the extra mile to step up and support California students so they can continue to learn."The annual Classified School Employees of the Year program recognizes outstanding classified school employees in various categories. This year's winners were chosen from 134...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 Civic Learning Award Schools
SACRAMENTO—Twenty-one California schools have been named recipients of the 2024 Civic Learning Awards, an honor that recognizes measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its eleventh year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero."We know that when young people activate their voices, they can be among the strongest change agents in our communities," Thurmond expressed. "Education is the cornerstone of realizing our democratic ideals, and these schools have made...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Honored for Leadership in Holocaust and Genocide Education
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond was honored today by the California Legislative Jewish Caucus for his leadership in the area of Holocaust and Genocide Education. Thurmond was honored alongside leaders and educators from the Jewish Family & Children’s Services Holocaust Center as well as Holocaust survivors and their descendants who have chosen to share their stories as part of educational initiatives."I am deeply honored by this recognition from the California Legislative Jewish Caucus for our collective efforts in Holocaust and Genocide Education. Through...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today the recipients of the 2024 California Green Ribbon Schools awards. Thurmond congratulated the honorees, stating, "Allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees."The California Green Ribbon Schools awards recognize schools, districts, and county offices for their commitment to environmental excellence. Among the honorees are five "Green Achievers" nominated by Thurmond, who have been confirmed by the U.S. Department of Education as recipients of the Green Ribbon...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Issues Statement on the Passing of Former State Superintendent Delaine Eastin
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond issued a statement today mourning the passing of former State Superintendent Delaine Eastin. Thurmond expressed deep sorrow, saying, "California lost an icon in our school system today."Thurmond praised Eastin, highlighting her as a trailblazer in public education whose legacy will continue to inspire. He acknowledged her dedication to California students, noting that her initiatives have left a lasting impact on the state's educational landscape.Reflecting on Eastin's achievements, Thurmond shared, "It...
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State Superintendent Thurmond Pushes for Results-Proven Training in Literacy and Math
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond made a historic push for results-proven training in literacy and math as the sponsor of Senate Bill (SB) 1115. Thurmond testified in the Senate Education Committee about the urgent need for improved student outcomes across the state. The committee passed the bill after Thurmond’s testimony, and it is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 6.Thurmond emphasized the importance of providing evidence-backed educator training, stating, "This is an issue of moral clarity.” He highlighted the inadequacy...
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State Superintendent Thurmond Hosts California Apprenticeship Summit to Connect California’s Youth to High-Wage Opportunities
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond led a California Apprenticeship Summit in Sacramento aimed at showcasing apprenticeship opportunities and career technical education pathways for California's youth. The event convened industry experts, educators, and students to discuss the benefits of apprenticeships in connecting young individuals to high-wage, high-growth career avenues.Thurmond emphasized the significance of registered apprenticeships, stating, "What makes registered apprenticeship unique as an educational opportunity is that it disrupts the...
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State Superintendent Thurmond Announces Support for Establishing an Office of Civil Rights at California Department of Education
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, alongside State Senator Henry Stern and other prominent figures, has expressed support for the establishment of an Office of Civil Rights within the California Department of Education (CDE). The proposed office aims to investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying in California public schools.Thurmond emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, stating, "As an educator and a father, I know how critical it is for...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2024 California Purple Star Schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 44 schools have been designated as 2024 Purple Star Schools. Thurmond expressed his appreciation for the winning schools, stating, "I commend the remarkable dedication and support shown by the winning schools of the California Purple Star School Designation Program. By embracing and enhancing services for military-connected students and their families, these schools exemplify our commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and excellence in education."The California Purple Star School Designation...
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State Superintendent Thurmond Honored with Cesar Chavez Award for Empowering Farm Working Families and Underserved Communities
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond received the prestigious Cesar E. Chavez Opportunity Award for his dedicated efforts in empowering farm working families and underserved communities. The award was bestowed upon Superintendent Thurmond at the 8th Annual Cesar Chavez Legacy Breakfast, in honor of Chavez’s 97th birthday, by The Farmworkers Institute of Education & Leadership Development (FIELD).Expressing his gratitude, Thurmond remarked, “Extraordinary models of social justice inspire us to do better and be better. There are few that rival...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit in Sacramento today, where he expressed his backing for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), a proposed legislation that would mandate a personal finance education course for California high school graduation. Thurmond also revealed his plans to form a Personal Finance Task Force during the summit, aimed at guiding the implementation of personal finance education for K–12 students across the state.“This effort is fundamentally about empowering our youth and uplifting our communities....
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Inaugural Model Community Day Schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has revealed the selection of eight schools as Model Community Day Schools (MCDSs) for 2024, marking the first year of implementation. Community day schools cater to students who have faced expulsion, attendance issues, or behavioral challenges.Thurmond commended the chosen schools for their dedication to students and families, stating, “By providing students with myriad educational options, mental health resources, and other support services, these schools have addressed students’ needs, elevated their strengths...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces the 2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that nine California schools were selected for the California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. "These programs are a beacon of excellence and equitable opportunity in California’s public schools," said Superintendent Thurmond.The award program identifies and recognizes schools with exemplary dual enrollment programs, allowing them to share their successful programs and practices. Schools eligible for the award included Early College High Schools, Middle College High Schools, and alternative education...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond's Response to President Biden's State of the Union Address
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today released a statement in response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address delivered on March 7, 2024.In his response, Thurmond expressed, "Last night, President Biden issued a call to action for our nation: To invest in the future of the United States by supporting our earliest learners to thrive." He further added, "I am pleased to celebrate the fact that President Biden’s national education agenda mirrors the important work that we have underway in California schools."Thurmond...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Congratulates High-Performing Middle Schools Named 2024 Schools to Watch
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.In his statement, Thurmond expressed his appreciation, saying, "Congratulations to these exceptional schools for making a great impact on students. I want to thank the staff, administrators,...
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Model Continuation High Schools for 2024
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has revealed the 31 schools recognized as Model Continuation High Schools for 2024. These schools were acknowledged for their commitment to providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth through exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.Superintendent Thurmond commended the schools, stating, "Congratulations to these outstanding schools for their all-around excellence as alternative centers of learning." He emphasized the importance of educators at Model...