Virginia Jo Dunlap

The California State Board of Education is considering revisions to the reporting achievement level descriptors (ALDs) for the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics and the California Science Test (CAST). Focus groups were conducted to gather feedback on proposed changes to the ALDs and labels, with participants suggesting clearer and more straightforward language. The proposed revisions aim to improve understanding of student achievement without impacting the comparability of assessment results from year to year. If approved, the California Department of Education (CDE) will update Student Score Reports (SSRs), communications, training materials, and relevant web pages.

The California State Board of Education is considering the petition for the renewal of the charter for Altus Schools South Bay. The California Department of Education recommends that the board grant the renewal for a term of five years, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2030, with two technical amendments. The first amendment involves revising the student discipline policy to remove willful defiance as a reason for suspension. The second amendment concerns the enrollment process, ensuring that the Home Language Survey is administered upon a student's initial enrollment in a California public school. The Advisory Commission on Charter Schools also supports the renewal with these amendments.

The California State Board of Education meeting agenda includes discussions on the implementation of the Integrated Local, State, and Federal Accountability and Continuous Improvement System. Key topics include a review of new and existing College/Career Indicator measures, options for adopting growth model performance categories, analysis of the Long-Term English Learner student group, options for incorporating the Science Indicator, a Priority 1 Teacher Data Update, and an overview of Dashboard Alternative School Status criteria. The board will provide guidance on the 2025 Accountability Workplan.

The California State Board of Education is considering requests from four local educational agencies (LEAs) to waive the requirement for a minimum of 20 school days for extended school year (ESY) programs for students with disabilities. Each LEA proposes an alternate schedule with fewer days but a comparable number of instructional hours. The CDE recommends approval with conditions, ensuring school day hours are consistent with general education and that special education services are comparable in standards, scope, and quality to the regular academic year. The LEAs include Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools, Greenfield Union School District, Red Bluff Union Elementary School District, and El Monte City School District.

The meeting included the ceremonial swearing-in of new board members, officer elections (President and Vice President), and the appointment of Chief Deputy Superintendents of Public Instruction. Key agenda items covered updates on the implementation of the Integrated Local, State, and Federal Accountability and Continuous Improvement System, including the 2024 California School Dashboard and the approval of the 2025 Accountability Workplan. The board also approved the development timeline and foundational principles for the 2026 Personal Finance Curriculum Guide, and reviewed the State Annual Performance Report for Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A public hearing was held to consider the renewal of a charter school, High Tech High Statewide Benefit Charter (with name and survey amendment conditions). Several consent items were approved, including technical amendments to student score reports, fee reductions for the 2025 Mathematics Instructional Materials Adoption, and the assignment of charter school numbers. Waivers were approved for several local educational agencies regarding extended school year requirements, Algebra I graduation requirements, and surplus property sales.