OCDE Newsroom

Oral family history project aims to capture a generation of stories over Thanksgiving holiday

Staff reports November 5, 2015

High school students have an opportunity to discover and share their life and family histories over the upcoming holiday via the ambitious Great Thanksgiving Listen initiative, sponsored by StoryCorps. The goal is to offer participants a chance to discover the history in their own families and lives while honoring their elders through the act of listening. [...]

Disneyland Resort invites O.C. high school students to submit good deeds for rewards by Nov. 20

Staff reports October 28, 2015

In honor of the Diamond Celebration, the Disneyland Resort has launched the Disneyland Resort “Dreamers & Doers” program. High school students driving positive change in their homes, schools or communities are invited to share their good deeds. [...]

Chronic absenteeism is the focus of a new U.S. Department of Education initiative

Staff reports October 19, 2015

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new federal initiative, “Every Student, Every Day: A National Initiative to Address and Eliminate Chronic Absenteeism,” which calls on the nation to raise awareness and reduce chronic absenteeism by at least 10 percent each year. [...]

10 things to know about the suspension of California’s High School Exit Exam

Staff reports October 15, 2015

Last week, we reported on the passage of legislation that effectively suspended the California High School Exit Exam — and the requirement that students pass it as a condition of graduation — through the 2017-18 school years. Although the law won’t take effect until Jan. 1, we’re here to provide answers to some frequently asked questions. [...]

Orange County students keep their eyes on the road to document distracted driving

Ian Hanigan October 15, 2015

This week, Orange County youth involved in the Friday Night Live and Club Live programs took part in a statewide Roadwatch campaign to document distracted driving in their communities. And there was plenty to document. In all, they observed more than 1,400 local distractions, including the use of hand-held devices, eating, drinking, personal grooming, animals on drivers' laps, reaching for items and reading. Click through to read more.

Increase in number of high school students earning the State Seal of Biliteracy in California

Staff reports October 12, 2015

More high school students graduated with a State Seal of Biliteracy in 2015 than ever before - 31,816 to be exact - according to a press release by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. [...]

Susan Henry, president of the Huntington Beach Union High School District’s Board of Trustees, with an award

OCSBA honors trustees from two Huntington Beach districts with prestigious service awards

Ian Hanigan October 9, 2015

Two school board members from districts serving Huntington Beach walked away with awards at this week's Orange County School Boards Association dinner. Susan Henry, president of the Huntington Beach Union High School District’s Board of Trustees, earned the prestigious Marian Bergeson Award, while Celia Jaffe, a former Huntington Beach City School District board member, was named the winner of OCSBA's Maureen DiMarco Award. [...]

With the governor’s signature, California officially suspends the High School Exit Exam

Ian Hanigan October 8, 2015

In case you missed it, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation this week suspending the California High School Exit Exam -- and the requirement that students pass it as a graduation requirement -- through the 2017-18 school year. [...]

Nine questions (and answers) about public charter schools

Staff reports October 6, 2015

You may have read about charter schools in the news recently, and perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering, “What exactly are charter schools, and how do they differ from public or private schools?” Well, we’re here to help, with a list of frequently asked questions. [...]

‘The Water Effect,’ kicking off Oct. 10, urges high school students to be part of conservation solutions

Staff reports September 28, 2015

Inside the Outdoors and The Ecology Center are launching a new high school program that aims to raise awareness about water conservation and inspire students to develop creative solutions with their peers. [...]

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