California Department of Education

Help us recognize an outstanding California high school counselor!

Local educational agencies are encouraged to nominate a counselor who exemplifies dedication, equity, and student success. Submit your nomination before December 12, 2025, at castudentaid.org/marmaduke

Join us, along with national assessment experts and school district leaders, who will discuss the essential components of a comprehensive and effective literacy plan.

📚 Register today via tinyurl.com/CDELiteracyScreening.

This November, the CDE proudly joins the nation in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This landmark law transformed public education and strengthened our commitment to opportunity and inclusion.

@casuperintendent.bsky.social Tony Thurmond condemns plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education:

Teachers — Check out Are We There Yet?, a #ToolsForTeachers grade 3 math lesson where students tackle multi-step word problems using time measurement and estimation skills. smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/1966 (account required)

The CDE urges school districts to share that the #988Lifeline provides support for anyone in a suicidal crisis or mental health distress with minimal law enforcement involvement, unless there is a safety threat.

If you need help, contact 988.

I also nominated April as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. She will compete against other state nominees, and the 2026 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring.

Congratulations to April and all our California Teachers of the Year!

After school, April continues teaching gardening and cooking through her site’s Extended Learning Program and builds upon the resources of an Edible Schoolyard program that she helped to establish.

I had the pleasure of calling April Raguindin with the surprise news that she is one of California’s Teachers of the Year for 2026.

April is a first-grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary School in Kern County’s Bakersfield City School District. ...

Learn more at: rubybridges.foundation/walk-to-scho...

#RubyBridgesWalktoSchoolDay

Did you know Ruby Bridges was only 6 years old when she bravely became a national symbol of school integration?

Today, the CDE joins students, educators, and families across our state in celebrating Ruby’s legacy, one step at a time. 👟🏫

Today, the CDE published the 2025 California School Dashboard and corresponding data files on DataQuest, showing that students continue to see improved outcomes across all key indicators of student success.

📈 🚀 Read more: www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/y...

Teachers — In this high school ELA #ToolsForTeachers resource, Listening for Understanding, students practice note-taking while listening to audio presentations, then use their notes to analyze and identify the speaker's point of view. smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/181 (account required)

🌟 Help us recognize an outstanding California high school counselor! 🌟

The Marmaduke High School Counselor Award honors high school counselors across the Golden State who go above and beyond to support students on their journey to college and career: castudentaid.org/marmaduke

To help schools, districts, and county offices of education strengthen support systems for educators, the CDE Office of School-Based Health Programs is hosting an important webinar.

Register at: tinyurl.com/CDECaringfor...

SSPI Press Conference on Federal School Nutrition Waiver | California Department of Education SSPI Press Conference on Federal School Nutrition Waiver

Watch a recording of today's press event via our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CAEducation/...

HomePage - SupplyBank.org

Any Californian who wants to support local food banks across the state can do so through Superintendent Thurmond’s ongoing partnership with SupplyBank.org.

At this time, the CDE is continuing to receive federal meal reimbursements from @usdagov.bsky.social for the school meals served in CA. As a result, there have been no disruptions to school meals. However, an estimated 27 percent of CA households with children face food insecurity.

This includes the filing of federal waivers to allow for existing federal funding for meal programs to provide food for hungry children beyond the school day and over the holidays.

At the CDE today, @casuperintendent.bsky.social Tony Thurmond announced efforts to allow for flexibility in students’ access to nutritional services in response to the continued uncertainty of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project - Home Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project, Sacramento

🚀 The Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project is calling out to all Asian and Pacific Islander students in California for a transformative high school conference experience! 💡✨

Apply now before December 15, 2025: www.apylp.net

Imagine a high school conference that delves deep into:
🤝 Leadership Development
🌏 Cultural Identity and Awareness
✍️ The Legislative Process
📢 Public Speaking Skills

Using SmART: Understanding Grade Level Writing Expectations is a professional learning resource that teachers and training leaders can use to explore Smarter Balanced Annotated Response Tool examples for ELA Performance Tasks. smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/1454 (account required)

November is California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month! We celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Sikh Americans who enrich our schools and communities. 💛💙

Please see the available dates and times below:
👉 November 12 at 3 p.m.: tinyurl.com/yj7843sp
👉 November 15 at 9 a.m.: tinyurl.com/4svteecb
👉 November 19 at 8 a.m.: tinyurl.com/bdcvk3em
👉 November 22 at 9 a.m.: tinyurl.com/2tdudv6s

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Virtual Trainings (#YMHFA) this November!

Learn to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among youth. Don’t miss this opportunity to build skills that support the well-being of young people in your community.

The CDE Office of School-Based Health Programs invites you to a webinar with a focus on recognizing the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of educators.

Register at: tinyurl.com/CDECaringfor...

Grab a book this November for #NationalFamilyLiteracyMonth and embark on countless adventures with the whole family!
📚❤️📖

Literacy has the power to unlock countless doors for our students and transform their lives.

Today’s SBE meeting also featured presentations by students of the 2025 Student Advisory Board on Education. Thank you to these wonderfully talented students for their unique presentations! 🙌

Today, @casuperintendent.bsky.social Tony Thurmond provided remarks at the State Board of Education meeting to acknowledge and honor the 2026 CA Teachers of the Year, CA Blue Ribbon Schools recipients, and the 2024–25 CA Statewide Assessment Results, which show continued progress of students.