OCDE Newsroom

Anaheim district is first to make OCDE’s Inside the Outdoors program available to all students (video)

Ian Hanigan September 18, 2015

Marking a first for Orange County, the Anaheim City School District is giving every one of its students the opportunity to receive quality outdoor science education through OCDE’s long-running Inside the Outdoors program. You read that right -- every student at every grade level. For Anaheim City, that means approximately 20,000 kids in transitional kindergarten through grade six will receive hands-on lessons covering science and nature. [...]

An image of Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares

Mijares: Research shows consistent attendance is critical to a student’s academic success

Al Mijares September 10, 2015

September isn't just back to school season, it's also Attendance Awareness Month, which is a good time to emphasize just how critically important it is for students to avoid unnecessary absences. Click through to read the latest column by Dr. Al Mijares, Orange County's superintendent of schools.

Orange County students outpace the rest of California on new standards-aligned assessments

Staff reports September 9, 2015

Orange County students have outperformed their state and regional counterparts on new computer-based assessments aligned with California’s English and math instructional standards, according to results released Wednesday by the California Department of Education. Click through for a summary of Orange County's CAASPP test results.

Eight high school students from Santa Ana have the right stuff for summer JPL internship

Ian Hanigan June 16, 2015

Thanks to the countywide initiative known as OC Pathways and community partners including OpTerra Energy Services, eight high schoolers from Santa Ana are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime research experience as summer interns at NASA’s famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Click through to read the story and watch a brief video.

Five strategies to combat summer learning loss

Staff reports June 9, 2015

Whether you know it as the "summer slide" or "brain drain," we've got a few tips for keeping young minds sharp and active over the summer months.

A photo of Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares

Mijares: NBA star Stephen Curry demonstrates how to rebound from life’s setbacks

Ian Hanigan June 4, 2015

"Suffice to say, most young people will not play college basketball or pursue careers in the NBA," writes Dr. Al Mijares, Orange County superintendent of schools. "Yet there are lessons to be learned from those who have nurtured their natural abilities and shattered perceived limitations by way of an extraordinary work ethic." Click through to read the superintendent’s latest column.

OCDE’s Fischer School offers a path to graduation, redemption for students like Erik

Ian Hanigan May 28, 2015

Erik, now 18, has a high school diploma and something even more important -- people who believe in him. He earned both as a student at the Otto A. Fischer School, one of four detention and treatment facilities run by the Orange County Department of Education’s ACCESS program.

Education advisor Fullan calls for collaboration and capacity-building at OCDE conference

Ian Hanigan May 22, 2015

Education reform expert Michael Fullan was the keynote speaker at OCDE’s “Equipping an Emerging Generation” conference, which drew more than 400 educators and business leaders to the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Hosted by County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, the event also featured Trevor Packer, senior vice president for the College Board. [...]

Mijares: Teacher Appreciation Month is a time to celebrate those who inspire others

Al Mijares May 13, 2015

May is National Teacher Appreciation Month, and here in Orange County, we are incredibly fortunate to celebrate some of the most passionate, talented and committed teachers in the world, writes Dr. Al Mijares, Orange County Superintendent of Schools. Click through to read the superintendent's latest column.

Educators invited to register for OCDE’s ‘Equipping an Emerging Generation’ conference

Ian Hanigan April 29, 2015

Seats are still available for an upcoming education conference featuring a pair of highly influential academic leaders. “Equipping an Emerging Generation,” hosted by OCDE and County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, will include presentations by renowned author and researcher Michael Fullan and College Board Senior Vice President Trevor Packer from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. [...]

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