California Department of Education
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | State Boards & Commissions
Recent News About California Department of Education
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California announces new screening tools for early reading difficulties
California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has communicated to local educational agencies the availability of four approved tools for screening reading difficulties in students from kindergarten through second grade.
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California introduces bill protecting schools from ICE presence
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is backing Senate Bill 48, a legislative proposal designed to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from accessing California school campuses.
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Tony Thurmond discusses efforts with Congress against abolishing U.S. Department of Education
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond met with members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C. to discuss strategies to counter efforts aimed at abolishing the U.S. Department of...
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California names student delegates for 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the selection of two high school students to represent California in the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).
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California School Dashboard reveals improved student outcomes and reduced absenteeism
The California Department of Education has released the 2024 School Dashboard, showing improvements in student outcomes across various indicators.
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California updates guidance for schools on handling wildfire smoke days
The California Department of Education (CDE) has released updated guidance to help local educational agencies (LEAs) make informed decisions about school activities and closures during periods of poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke.
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California principals receive national recognition for outstanding leadership
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has extended his congratulations to two California school principals who have been honored with the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership for 2024. Principal Paulette Smith of Madison Elementary School in the San Leandro Unified School District and Principal Belinda Averill of South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District were named as recipients by United States Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona. They are among nine school leaders nationwide selected from the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools.
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California sees student progress with focus on equity gaps
The California Department of Education (CDE) has published the 2023-24 statewide assessment results, indicating progress among K-12 students. The data shows improvements in closing equity gaps for socioeconomically disadvantaged, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino students.
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California honors five educators as 2025 Teachers of the Year
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the 2025 California Teachers of the Year. Five educators have been selected to represent the state as ambassadors for the teaching profession throughout the year. Superintendent Thurmond, who began his career in social services, expressed satisfaction in recognizing these teachers for their significant contributions to schools, students, and communities.
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California celebrates recognition of 33 National Blue Ribbon Schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has congratulated 33 California schools selected among the 356 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024. This award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps and where students achieve high learning standards.
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California Superintendent announces fundraising effort for wildfire-impacted schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced a statewide fundraising effort to support students, families, and educators affected by recent wildfires in California. Donations, which are tax-deductible, can be made on the SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund web page.
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California legislature passes bill banning certain additives in school foods
State Superintendent Thurmond applauds the passage of groundbreaking legislation to enhance school nutrition
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Thurmond addresses smartphones in schools with input from educators
SACRAMENTO—Today, August 27, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond reconvened the Closing the Digital Divide Task Force to address smartphones, social media, and youth wellness from 8:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Sacramento.
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Thurmond launches initiative aiming for 2.3 million new homes using surplus school district land
State Superintendent Thurmond Convenes Key State Leaders to Accelerate Housing Development in California
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California superintendent urges restrictions on student cell phone use
State Superintendent Thurmond Calls for Restrictions on Cell Phone Use in Schools
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California's State superintendent launches plan using school-owned land for new housing units
State Superintendent Thurmond’s plan builds upon existing legislation, funding, and research to accelerate the development of 75,000 acres of surplus land owned by local educational agencies.
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California enacts SAFETY Act prohibiting forced outing policies in schools
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond celebrated the signing of AB 1955, also known as the Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act (SAFETY Act), into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. This legislation positions California as the first state to prohibit forced outing policies in schools.
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California's AB 1955 seeks governor's approval amid rising concerns over forced outing policies
State Superintendent Thurmond Celebrates Passage of LGBTQ+ Legislation for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for All Students; Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
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California names delegates for 2024 National Youth Science Camp
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has announced the selection of two students as California’s delegates to the 61st annual National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). Arnav Mahendra of Folsom, a junior at Mira Loma High School in the San Juan Unified School District, and Natalie Brahan of Fremont, a junior at Irvington High School in Fremont Unified, were chosen for their achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
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California adds personal finance course requirement for high school graduation
California will become the 26th state to guarantee students the opportunity to take at least one semester of instruction in personal finance. SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today celebrated the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 2927 (McCarty) through the California State Senate, which would make California the 26th state in the union to require personal finance as a high school graduation requirement. The bill is expected to receive concurrence in the Assembly and support from Governor Gavin Newsom in order to become law.