OCDE Newsroom

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Here’s a look at California’s new education laws for 2016

Ian Hanigan January 6, 2016

A new year is upon us, and that means all sorts of new state laws go into effect. Here at the OCDE Newsroom, we’ve been specifically tracking a handful of educational bills that are expected to have an impact on Orange County students and schools. Click through to see what's changing.

State education officials say 97 percent participated in new web-based assessments

Ian Hanigan December 22, 2015

California students posted a 97 percent participation rate on this year’s statewide English and math assessments, education officials announced Tuesday. And the numbers were just as strong locally.

An image of Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares

Mijares: OC Pathways initiative has much to celebrate at the end of its first year

Al Mijares December 16, 2015

OC Pathways, an initiative that's bringing together schools, colleges and businesses to create new career paths in targeted industry sectors, just capped its first year — and it was quite a year. Click through to read the latest column from the desk of Dr. Al Mijares, Orange County's superintendent of schools.

In the news: Reaction to the new federal education law, environmental studies and more

Ian Hanigan December 11, 2015

Guess what? It's Friday again, and we've got a week's worth of education headlines from Orange County and beyond. Click through to catch up on stories you might have missed.

State Superintendent Torlakson lauds Laguna Beach as a leading digital district (video)

Ian Hanigan December 9, 2015

How’s this for recognition? State Superintendent Tom Torlakson recently cited the Laguna Beach Unified School District as one of the three leading digital districts in California. “These bright spots serve as lights of encouragement and guidance for our state,” Torlakson wrote in this letter to district leaders about technology and equity. [...]

OC Pathways Showcase demonstrates the sky is not the limit for Orange County students

Ian Hanigan December 2, 2015

Astronaut Leland Melvin, who voyaged to the International Space Station in 2008 and 2009, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural OC Pathways Showcase, held in Hangar 244 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. The event, featuring innovative displays from local schools, colleges and businesses, drew about 300 educators and business leaders to celebrate the first year of OC Pathways.

OC Pathways Showcase will highlight college and career partnerships on Dec. 2

Ian Hanigan November 24, 2015

A limited number of seats are still available for an upcoming showcase to celebrate the first year of OC Pathways, an initiative that's paving the way to college and career success and strengthening the 21st-century workforce. Open to educators and industry leaders, the inaugural OC Pathways Showcase on Dec. 2 will feature innovative displays from local schools, colleges and businesses, as well as a keynote address from NASA astronaut Leland Melvin. “Equipping Students for the Global Innovation Economy” is the theme of the event, which will be held from 7:30 to 10 a.m. inside Hangar 244 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. [...]

Fitness scores in Orange County decline slightly but remain higher than the state average

Staff reports November 23, 2015

The percentage of Orange County students who met the Healthy Fitness Zone performance targets in all six areas decreased slightly, according to the 2014-15 California Physical Fitness Test results released on Friday. [...]

UC Irvine to host annual Gifted and Talented Education webinar series

Staff reports November 19, 2015

The University of California, Irvine Extension is once again offering a free webinar series geared toward teachers, administrators and parents of gifted students. The eighth annual Gifted and Talented Education Webinar Series will take place weekly on Tuesdays, Feb. 2 through Feb 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. [...]

Project Tomorrow wants to hear your thoughts on technology use in the classroom

Staff reports November 9, 2015

From now until Dec. 18, all K-12 students, parents and teachers can share their views on the role and use of technology for learning as part of the 13th annual Speak Up National Research Project. [...]

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