Laguna Beach High School could become the latest campus to offer its students college credits through a partnership with Irvine Valley College.
As reported in the Daily Pilot, the Laguna Beach Unified school board heard a presentation this week about a potential dual-enrollment agreement that would bring IVC instructors and courses to the high school as soon as this summer. Under the plan, students could take speech and debate, sign language, chorale performance, psychology and biotechnology classes that meet CSU and UC requirements, and the tuition would be waived.
The Daily Pilot says IVC already has similar partnerships with the Saddleback Valley, Irvine, Tustin and Capistrano Unified school districts. The board is expected to hear additional details and take action in February.
And here are some other education stories we’ve been following this week:
- Over the next five months, Orange County students will take part in scores of local, state and national contests that will test their knowledge and sharpen their skills in just about every academic subject. The OCDE Newsroom offers this rundown of what academic events are coming up from now through June.
- As part of an increased focus on mental health, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District is posting suicide prevention posters at its middle and high school campuses. The posters advise students on how to get help if they feel anxious, depressed or inclined to harm themselves.
- Seven months after breaking ground on a new science center at Orange High School, Orange Unified leaders marked the start of construction on a similar facility for Villa Park High School — and they’re not done.
- A dozen campuses in the Anaheim Elementary School District have launched instrumental music programs thanks in part to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
- School districts throughout Orange County are asking parents, students and community members to weigh in on critical priorities and funding decisions. A brief video produced by OCDE’s Media Services team explains why.
- The Los Angeles Unified teachers’ strike entered day five on Friday, with district leaders and union officials reportedly still distanced on issues including salary and staffing. Yet, as the Los Angeles Times reports, there are some hopeful signs a deal will be reached.
- New legislation in California would essentially require all kindergarteners to attend full-day programs by establishing a minimum number of minutes that’s the same as first-grade classes. If approved, the law would take effect in 2021-22, the Sacramento Bee reports.
- The Brea Olinda Unified school board is considering renaming Fanning Elementary School following questions concerning the campus’ namesake and an ongoing public debate. District officials say a new name would reflect the school’s recent focus on computer science.
- After years of producing well-known shows like “Guys and Dolls” and “High School Musical,” Estancia High’s drama teacher has tasked her students with writing and performing a show that captures their own personal experiences.
- A Los Angeles-based organization has filed suit against the Huntington Beach City School District, alleging two students weren’t allowed to hand out fliers promoting Bring Your Bible to School Day. The district contends it gave permission to distribute the fliers before and after school in accordance with its policy.