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A photo from 1893 showing students at Garden Grove School

OCDE’s origin story dates back to this day in 1889

Ian Hanigan March 11, 2025
group photo of Outstanding STEM educators

OC STEM Initiative seeks nominations for 2025 Outstanding STEM Educators

Vicky Nguyen March 10, 2025
Hmong Model Curriculum Conference

Weekly roundup: Educators gather in Merced to explore Hmong history, OC schools join nationwide Read Across America celebrations, and more

Vicky Nguyen March 7, 2025
A note from Dr. Bean

Dr. Bean: Inside the Outdoors celebrates 50 years of learning, discovery and renewal

Stefan Bean March 6, 2025
IUSD Sierra Vista MS Science Olympiad Team

Top Orange County teams advance to Southern California Science Olympiad

Vicky Nguyen March 5, 2025
Language professionals gather at the 2024 Interpreters and Translators Conference from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5.

OCDE conference helps language professionals bridge gaps in school communities

Madeline Gray October 16, 2024
The work of interpreters and translators is vital to the success of Orange County’s multilingual learners, with 77 percent of...
Huntington Beach Unified High School District Board of Education trustees and staff attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ocean View High School’s new WellSpace on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Ocean View High School opens new WellSpace to support student wellness

Vicky Nguyen October 16, 2024
Ocean View High School unveiled the Huntington Beach Unified School District’s latest WellSpace — called “The Well Nest” — to...
CSBA Golden Bell Awards logo

OCDE’s Language Services honored with Golden Bell Award

Nathaniel Martinez October 11, 2024
The California School Boards Association has recognized the Orange County Department of Education’s Language Services unit with the Golden Bell Award, which honors school programs that go above and beyond to ensure student success.  In recent years, OCDE has significantly...
Fulton Middle School students engage in STEM activities at Hyundai’s headquarters, where they had the opportunity to design and build scaled vehicles from recycled materials.

Weekly roundup: Fountain Valley students explore automotive careers at Hyundai, Los Alamitos High welcomes Anne Frank exhibit, and more

Vicky Nguyen October 11, 2024
A group of 31 eighth-grade students from the Fountain Valley School District had a unique learning experience this week when...
2024 Orange County Counselor Symposium awards seven K-12 school counselors, one K-12 counseling advocate, one community college counselor and one community college counseling advocate on Feb. 7 at the Hilton Anaheim.

OCDE opens nominations to recognize outstanding school counselors

Madeline Gray October 10, 2024
From providing behavioral supports to offering career guidance, school counselors play an integral role in elevating the growth and success...
Classroom

Orange County students exceed state, regional counterparts in key assessments

Ian Hanigan October 10, 2024
Orange County students have once again outpaced their peers on state assessments, surpassing California’s averages in English, math and science. Data released on Thursday by the California Department of Education showed that students in the county’s 29 local districts and...
Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference

Cambodian American Studies model curriculum to debut at Long Beach conference

Vicky Nguyen October 9, 2024
Educators from across California will gather this November for a two-day conference in Long Beach, where they will have the...
Jordanna Jahn

Garden Grove Unified educator named 2025 California Teacher of the Year finalist

Ian Hanigan October 8, 2024
A middle school teacher from the Garden Grove Unified School District has been named a 2025 California Teacher of the...
Maple Elementary School transitional kindergartners participate in hands-on activities in their Reggio-inspired classroom. (Fullerton School District)

Fullerton kindergartners reimagine learning through Reggio-inspired classroom

Madeline Gray October 7, 2024
In teacher Katie Bezayiff’s revamped classroom, transitional kindergartners are finding creative ways to explore their learning — whether they collaborate on art projects, play make-believe with full-size wooden dollhouses or dive into new reading material. This room makeover is the...
Venture Academy students run the Venture Coffee Cats business at George Key School. (Courtesy of Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District)

Weekly roundup: Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified program brews up student-run coffee business, Westminster High donates to OC Food Bank, and more

Madeline Gray October 4, 2024
In the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Venture Academy students are blending fresh cups of coffee with real-world skills as...
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The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Bowl team at The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Bowl team at Connections at University High School qualified for the national competition after placing fourth at regionals. Senior Cindy Rodriguez was recognized as one of six all-stars at the event. With two months to prepare, the team is focusing on practice and collaboration as they get ready to compete on the national stage. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/Uatf50V5BCf
El Dorado High School’s mock trial team, represe El Dorado High School’s mock trial team, representing the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, is advancing to the 2025 California Mock Trial State Finals after winning the Orange County championship. The tournament, hosted by Teach Democracy — formerly known as the Constitutional Rights Foundation — will take place March 14 through March 16 in Los Angeles, where teams from 36 counties will compete for the state title. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/acUx50V4G1v
Troy High School’s Science Olympiad Team A secur Troy High School’s Science Olympiad Team A secured first place at the 2025 MIT Science Olympiad Invitational, one of the nation's most competitive tournaments. The team edged out Mason High School from Ohio by eight points, marking Troy’s seventh title in eight appearances at MIT. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/iFBq50V4CwG
The OC Pathways Showcase on Feb. 27 will give a gl The OC Pathways Showcase on Feb. 27 will give a glimpse into some of the 50-plus career pathways offered in Orange County. From manufacturing and graphic production to agriculture and environmental science, this event will highlight how students are developing workforce skills through programs that connect classrooms to careers. 👩‍🏫🌟 🔗 Register for free: https://ow.ly/AIwV50V3NeC
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean welcomed 1,200 educators at the opening general session of the 2025 CISC Leadership Symposium in Anaheim on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The annual Curricular and Improvement Support Committee symposium gathers education leaders from across California for three days of networking, professional learning and discussions of innovative strategies. With the theme "Ignite: Instruction, Inclusion, Impact," this year's sold-out event from Feb. 19-21 will inspire impactful conversations on the future of education.
Six continuation high schools in Orange County hav Six continuation high schools in Orange County have been named Model Continuation High Schools for 2025. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday that 74 schools statewide earned the designation for their efforts in offering flexible scheduling, instructional strategies and counseling services tailored to students at risk of not graduating. * La Vista High School (Fullerton Joint Union High School District) * Marie L. Hare High School (Garden Grove Unified School District) * Valley Vista High School (Huntington Beach Union High School District) * El Camino Real High School (Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District) * Silverado High School (Saddleback Valley Unified School District) * Lorin Griset Academy (Santa Ana Unified School District) 🔗 https://ow.ly/NHkT50V2XxL
Under the glow of stage lights at the Segerstrom C Under the glow of stage lights at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Samueli Theater, educators, administrators and arts advocates took center stage Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the 2025 Orange County Music and Arts Administrators Awards.  Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and in partnership with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the annual awards reception and ceremony recognized 63 nominees for their contributions to arts education in the county.  🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/spotlight-shines-on-arts-education-advocates-at-2025-ocmaa-awards/
The OC Pathways Showcase returns on Feb. 27, offer The OC Pathways Showcase returns on Feb. 27, offering a glimpse into the career training experiences available through more than 50 career pathways across Orange County. From nutrition and food services to robotics and artificial intelligence, this event will highlight how students are developing workforce skills through programs that partner educators with industry professionals. 👩‍🏫🌟 Register for free here: https://ow.ly/2MK450V2qgb
To equip families, educators and community members To equip families, educators and community members with the tools to prevent human trafficking and exploitation, OCDE is partnering with Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice to present the 2025 Ensure Justice conference on March 7-8 in Costa Mesa. The two-day event, themed “Safety Nets,” will examine the risks that make children and youth vulnerable while exploring strategies for strengthening protective networks. Sessions will cover labor trafficking, online grooming, sextortion, pornography, gangs and unhealthy relationships. Attendees can register at gcwj.org/ensurejustice. 🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/building-safety-nets-ocde-partners-with-vanguard-university-for-conference-on-human-trafficking-prevention/
The Orange County Department of Education's office The Orange County Department of Education's offices and school sites will be closed Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day, a federal holiday honoring all U.S. presidents.
The Connections Deaf and Hard of Hearing wrestling The Connections Deaf and Hard of Hearing wrestling team at University High School recently competed at the Willigan Wrestling Tournament, a national event for athletes who are deaf. Facing larger schools, the team earned multiple top finishes, including two third-place finishes and a fourth-place finish in the boys’ bracket. 🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/breaking-barriers-connections-at-university-high-dhh-wrestling-team-makes-mark-at-national-deaf-wrestling-tournament/
The OC Pathways Showcase is set to return on Feb. The OC Pathways Showcase is set to return on Feb. 27, offering a firsthand look at the workforce skills and career training students are gaining through Orange County’s career pathways programs. Hosted at the OC Fairgrounds, this event led by OCDE will bring together students, educators and industry leaders to highlight innovative student projects and strengthen connections that bridge classrooms to careers. 👩‍🏫🌟 Register for free: https://ow.ly/tpq550UZN9a
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean has been recognized with the 2024 JA Champion Award from Junior Achievement of Orange County and the Inland Empire. Presented at Junior Achievement’s “Rhythm of Impact” celebration at the House of Blues Anaheim on Jan. 30, the award highlights leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering students through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programs. Junior Achievement describes the honorees as the “Heart of our Community,” recognizing their leadership, volunteerism and support for initiatives that help young people prepare for the future. In its announcement, the organization thanked Bean for his dedication to education and for being an “inspirational champion” for students in Orange County and beyond. 🔗 https://ow.ly/k1kH50UYY4q
Brains, medals and team spirit took center stage a Brains, medals and team spirit took center stage at the Orange County Academic Decathlon awards night on Friday, Feb. 7. Coordinated by OCDE and sponsored by the Orange County Academic Decathlon Association, this annual competition celebrates teamwork, dedication and academic excellence. A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers who made this event possible! 🏅👏 🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/woodbridge-high-continues-academic-decathlon-reign-with-eighth-county-title-in-nine-years/
Four Orange County teams are headed to the Califor Four Orange County teams are headed to the California Academic Decathlon after standout performances at the county competition. Woodbridge High secured its eighth title in nine years, while Valencia, Bolsa Grande and University high schools also earned state bids. Congratulations to all the teams and best of luck in March. A job well done to all decathletes this year. 👏 🔗 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/woodbridge-high-continues-academic-decathlon-reign-with-eighth-county-title-in-nine-years/
The Orange County Department of Education's Model The Orange County Department of Education's Model Curriculum team recently traveled to the Cambodian American Studies Conference, held in partnership with the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The event highlighted the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum, a resource developed in response to AB 167 to support inclusive and culturally responsive instruction. Created in collaboration with scholars, community members and the California Department of Education, the curriculum provides K-12 educators with lesson plans, primary sources and strategies to enhance student learning. 🔗 Visit the link in bio to learn more: https://ow.ly/aqjC50UW2sE
The Orange County Department of Education's office The Orange County Department of Education's offices and school sites will be closed Monday, Feb. 10 in observance of Lincoln Day, a California state holiday honoring President Abraham Lincoln.
Baile folklórico dancers from Centralia Elementar Baile folklórico dancers from Centralia Elementary School twirled to traditional music in brightly colored dresses, while Danbrook Elementary’s drumline energized the crowd with bucket drums at the 45th annual OC Black History Month Parade and Unity Festival on Feb. 1. Students marched along Anaheim Boulevard, celebrating culture and community through music and movement. The groups are part of the Centralia Elementary School District’s Expanded Learning Program, which provides music and arts opportunities outside of regular school hours. 🔗 https://ow.ly/uSAG50UW0KE
Approximately 40 Orange County students have been Approximately 40 Orange County students have been recognized as 2025 YoungArts winners for their talents across 10 artistic disciplines such as music, writing and visual arts. Among them, 12 received the honors of being named winners with distinction. As part of this recognition, more than 800 winners with distinction — including Orange County School of the Arts student and bassoonist Ariana Kim — had the opportunity to participate in workshops and performances led by renowned artists during National YoungArts week in Miami last month. These young artists will be eligible to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts later this year — one of the highest honors given to high school seniors. 🔗 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/8JEy50UUr88
Hundreds of middle school students from Anaheim, F Hundreds of middle school students from Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana gathered in Costa Mesa this week for the third annual “Know More, Do Better” youth conference, gaining critical lessons in personal safety and awareness. Hosted by the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force in collaboration with 28 local organizations, including the Orange County Department of Education and Orange County Superior Court, the event at Vanguard University’s Waugh Student Center brought together more than 500 middle schoolers from 22 campuses. Attendees learned about the risks of human trafficking and ways to protect themselves and their peers. 🔗 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/aU3E50UUhqm 📸 @samueliacademy
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