OCDE Education in the News

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

OCDE NEWSROOM

Cheerleading is starting school year as a CIF-regulated sport

The world of competitive high school cheer can be brutal and intense, on par with the football games where pompom-carrying squads still fulfill their traditional role. But, for decades, cheer was not classified as a sport – until now.

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/22/cheerleading-is-starting-school-year-as-a-cif-regulated-sport/

Santa Ana school district considering workforce agreement prioritizing its graduates, city residents, veterans

The Santa Ana Unified School District board on Wednesday, Aug. 23, will consider entering into a community workforce agreement requiring union labor on construction contracts, similar to an agreement the Santa Ana City Council approved last week. Santa Ana became the first city in Orange County to establish a citywide project labor agreement, and if the school district board authorizes its version – also with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council – it will be the second school district in the county to do so.

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/22/santa-ana-school-district-considering-workforce-agreement-prioritizing-its-graduates-city-residents-veterans/

School bells ring again on Tustin Unified campuses

Tustin Unified School District students started school Tuesday, Aug. 22 – a fraction of them, for the first time ever. In a milestone that can be as nerve-wracking for grown-ups as it is for their kids, parents kissed their kindergartners goodbye outside classrooms around the district.

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/22/school-bells-ring-again-on-tustin-unified-campuses/

New Aliso Viejo middle school principal enjoys first day at school

Towering over his pupils in a gray suit and tie, Manoj Mahindrakar spent his first lunch as principal of Don Juan Avila Middle School shooting hoops, doling out high-fives and shaking hands with dozens of new students. Mahindrakar, who was named principal about two weeks ago, previously served as the assistant principal at San Clemente High School.

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/22/new-aliso-viejo-middle-school-principal-enjoys-first-day-at-school/

DAILY NEWS LOS ANGELES

LAUSD schools are cooking up a vegan menu, starting at these campuses

North Hollywood and Sylmar students will be among the first to judge vegan cafeteria food choices in seven Los Angeles Unified School District high schools beginning Sept. 5. The idea is to expand healthy-eating options with teaser dishes including plant-based burgers, chili with tortilla chips, bean tamales, sausage subs and teriyaki patty sandwiches, district officials said.

http://www.dailynews.com/article/20170822/NEWS/170829880

EDSOURCE

California wants to simplify its $2 billion-a-year college aid programs

California wants to find a simpler and less confusing way to distribute more than $2 billion in Cal grants and other annual aid to about 400,000 students. The state agency that administers the state’s myriad aid programs recently started a search for a consultant to study the current system and come up with reform ideas. Students long have complained that they are baffled by the various forms of the grants and their eligibility rules.

https://edsource.org/2017/california-wants-to-simplify-its-2-billion-a-year-college-aid-programs/586197

SI&A CABINET REPORT

Experts call for civics ed to start sooner than later

Nearly everyone can agree that students should have access to civics education that will prepare them to participate meaningfully in our democratic republic, and according to experts, starting early is vital. Earlier this month, Santa Clara County became the latest of 13 counties in California to create partnerships with non-profits and local superior courts to expand the focus on civics education in the classroom. Many of the programs focus on helping students understand the inner workings of the judicial branch and the state’s courts.

https://www.cabinetreport.com/curriculum-instruction/experts-call-for-civics-ed-to-start-sooner-than-later

States lack careful mental health policies for students

While there is evidence that schools are doing more to address student mental health issues, new research suggests that state oversight often fails to keep up with its role in coordinating and facilitating care.

https://www.cabinetreport.com/human-resources/states-lack-careful-mental-health-policies-for-students

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