California Department of Education

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond reconvened his Closing the Digital Divide Task Force today to address smartphones, social media, and youth wellness at a hearing in Sacramento. The discussion focused on ways to keep children safe and healthy at school in a highly connected world. Members of the Task Force joining Thurmond included Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, Senator Henry Stern, and Assemblymember Josh Hoover, who shared their respective legislation. The task force heard from a panel of district leaders and students who shared insights into their own experiences of limiting cell phone use at schools and participated in a dialogue on California school districts enacting policies restricting students’ cell phone use.

The 2024 U.S. general election is quickly approaching, and it is once again time to get students involved and excited about civic engagement. The California Secretary of State and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond are partnering to host the 2024 California Student Mock Election on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Registration for the 2024 California Student Mock Election can be found on the Secretary of State California Student Mock Election web page at https://lnkd.in/gkYWw5Nn

Tomorrow, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond’s Task Force to Close the Digital Divide will present a hearing on Smartphones, Social Media, and Youth Wellness at 8:30 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building, Room 100, 1020 N Street, in Sacramento. Hear from authors of current legislative efforts to address the impact of smartphones and social media on youth wellness and achievement, as well as an expert panel to share insights on student experience. RSVP at bit.ly/CDEPhoneHearing and watch a live stream on Facebook Live at https://lnkd.in/gv46-N5.

Teachers—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the CDE encourage you to look at “Analyzing Theme,” a #ToolsforTeachers high school, English language arts instructional resource for Claim 1: Reading. In this resource, students build skills for determining a theme by analyzing how an author uses character, plot, and setting to develop a theme throughout a text. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/giKJ6q-n

Welcoming Students, School Staff, and Families Back to School and More in This Week’s Issue of CDE Today. To subscribe, visit https://lnkd.in/ggD8R8U7.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond issues a letter to students, families, and educators as they return #BacktoSchool: “This time of year is all about excitement, hope, and putting in the hard work it takes to make incredible things happen. Thank you to California’s educators and school staff who have spent long days decorating classrooms and hallways, building class schedules, and making sure that our students and families have everything that they need to start the year. To our students: I am so proud of you for stepping into this new year ready to learn, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things that you will accomplish. Know that you can achieve your wildest dreams, and education is the way! To our families and educators: Thank you for being fierce advocates and relentlessly caring for our children. I’m with you, fighting to ensure that our students have safe, healthy learning environments, top-notch instruction, and the best preparation for bright futures. Your voices have informed every policy change that I have fought to make: from giving all kids access to school meals, to adding personal finance education to our high school graduation requirements, to establishing scholarships for new teachers, mental health clinicians, and classified staff who are seeking to enter the education profession. My own life is a testament to the power of a quality public education. As you work hard to make this year the best one yet, know that you have an advocate in Sacramento who is standing right beside you, driving resources and change so that every child in California has access to the kind of opportunity that can only come from a great public school.”

📚❤️ #DidYouKnow the CDE’s Recommended Literature List has been updated with new titles for PreK-Grade 12? Check out our searchable database for books for children and teens which helps students, teachers, and families find books that entertain, inform, and explore new ideas and experiences. The list is updated annually with the latest and best in children’s and young adult literature: https://lnkd.in/gupxK-2r

❗ Attention incoming high school juniors ❗ Apply before Sept. 20 to become a California State Board of Education Student Board Member for 2025–26! You will play a crucial role in representing the perspectives and interests of students across California in important policy discussions and decisions, and you will function as a regular voting member of the SBE. Submit your application today: https://lnkd.in/eWAEQATE

Register for the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference, taking place October 9-11, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The conference focuses on improving #mentalhealth in our schools and beyond by empowering and equipping school leaders, counselors, educators, and changemakers through session tracks designed specifically for those groups. Whether listening to one of the inspiring speakers or expert panels or taking part in the extended breakout sessions, you will gain insight and tools that you can take back to your home districts to lead and encourage others. Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/gBr-Enp

📣 Do you know an outstanding high school counselor? Nominations are open for the annual 2024-25 Arthur S. Marmaduke High School Counselor Award! 🏆 Each year, the California Student Aid Commission recognizes a California high school counselor who effectively serves students in preparing for and pursuing their higher education. Nominations are due Thursday, October 31. Learn about award eligibility and nominate a counselor today: https://lnkd.in/g-RqYwT5