Passed in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guaranteed that every child with a disability has the right to a free and appropriate public education — transforming how schools support students and forming special education for generations.
Sunburst Youth Academy recently celebrated becoming an Orange County Impact School. The OCDE designation promotes an exchange of ideas and best practices between local schools and the county office.
Former heavyweight boxing champions James “Buster” Douglas and Lamon Brewster visited OCDE’s Otto A. Fischer School, encouraging students residing in Orange County Juvenile Hall to work hard and persevere to overcome any obstacle.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a wide range of education bills at the close of the 2025 legislative session, enacting new laws on literacy, school safety, nutrition and student well-being while vetoing several others.
OCDE has named a dozen campuses as Orange County Impact Schools, recognizing sites that are leading with innovative practices making a difference for students. The program is designed to foster collaboration and spread effective strategies.
Industry professionals with real-world expertise can now earn a teaching credential through OC Pathways' program, opening the door to share their skills with students while shaping the future workforce.
OCDE is launching the Innovation Funding Initiative to invest in bold ideas from Orange County school districts that address unmet needs and strengthen student outcomes. Districts may apply beginning Dec. 3 for awards of up to $525,000 to support three-year projects, with the first grantees expected to be announced in early 2026.
More than 400 educators and community members attended the Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum Conference Sept. 26–27 in Garden Grove, featuring 26 sessions, three community tours and keynote presentations.
