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Megan Arthurton of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District stands with her award after receiving the Irene Schoepfle Lifetime Achievement Award for Music at the 2026 OCMAA Awards.

Spotlight shines on arts educators, advocates at 2026 OCMAA Awards

Vicky Nguyen March 12, 2026
Students give a presentation on the ethics of AI at last year's Student and Community Voice AI Summit.

Students, educators to share real-world AI classroom experiences at Student and Community Voice AI Summit

Nathaniel Martinez March 12, 2026
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, 2026
A California Distinguished School logo

More than 40 Orange County schools named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Vicky Nguyen March 10, 2026

OCDE announces six Orange County districts as Innovation Funding Initiative awardees

Ian Hanigan March 9, 2026
How to help children cope with tragic events

How to help children cope with tragic events

Staff reports March 2, 2026
When there are moments of high-profile trauma — such as war, terrorism or destructive wildfires — it’s important to remember...
Sydney Tran holds her championship trophy after winning the 2026 Orange County Spelling Bee.

Second serving: Sydney Tran repeats as county spelling bee champion with ‘charcuterie’

Ian Hanigan February 28, 2026
Sydney Tran delivered a repeat performance Saturday — and this time, she did it with “charcuterie.” The El Rancho Charter...
Anaheim Union High School District students will receive free laundry services thanks to a new partnership with local laundromats. (Photo by Karen Tapia, contributing photographer / Southern California News Group)

Weekly roundup: Anaheim high schoolers to receive free laundry services, elementary students explore science through hockey, and more

Madeline Gray February 27, 2026
Students in the Anaheim Union High School District will soon get to do their laundry for free through a new partnership approved by the school board, aimed at helping high schoolers focus on learning. The Orange County Register reported the...
Dr. Norma E. Martinez (center) stands with Centralia School District colleagues holding a sign recognizing her as the 2026 ACSA Region 17 Superintendent of the Year.

ACSA Region 17 announces 2026 Orange County Administrators of the Year

Vicky Nguyen February 25, 2026
ACSA Region 17 has named 20 Orange County educational leaders as 2026 Administrators of the Year. Honorees will be recognized May 11 at the Irvine Marriott Ballrooms, with three additional award recipients to be announced.
Former Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez joins County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean for the latest episode of the Future Current podcast.

FutureCurrent: Integrating AI into educational leadership with former SAUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

Madeline Gray February 24, 2026
Quick look: On the fourth episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, former Santa Ana Unified Superintendent Jerry Almendarez discusses strategic foresight,...
Illustrated composite image of diverse children standing and jumping on an open book and a large outstretched hand against a blue sky, with a tree in the background and simple doodle icons like hearts, stars and speech bubbles suggesting learning, support and empowerment.

Vanguard University and OCDE to host conference on threats facing youth

Ian Hanigan February 23, 2026
Quick look: Ensure Justice 2026, hosted by the Global Center for Women and Justice in partnership with OCDE, will take place March 6 at Vanguard University. The conference will bring families and educators together to address threats facing youth and...
A Valley High School automotive student works beneath a vehicle during the Auto Academy Saturday Community Garage Service Clinic at the school’s CTE automotive facility.

Weekly roundup: SAUSD students put skills to work at Valley High Community Garage, and more

Vicky Nguyen February 20, 2026
The event, held Jan. 31 at Valley’s automotive facility, brought together students from Valley and Santa Ana high schools to practice industry skills in a real-world setting while offering multi-point inspections, tire rotations, tire balances and oil changes at no cost.
Connections at University High School wrestling team at Willigan Tournament

Connections at University High DHH wrestling team dominates at national deaf wrestling tournament

Nathaniel Martinez February 20, 2026
Quick look: Seven wrestlers from Connections at University High School’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program earned four podium finishes...
Casie Hollenbeck (center) stands with a bouquet during a CTE Month recognition visit alongside Jacquelyn Leyva, Steven Kahn, Dr. Jacqueline Cardenas, Chris Alfieri and Machele Kilgore.

OCDE celebrates CTE Month with classroom visits and recognition of 1,200 educators

Vicky Nguyen February 19, 2026
During CTE Month, OCDE's Career Education and Workforce Development team recognized approximately 1,200 career education teachers across Orange County, including instructors serving ACCESS students through a partnership with North Orange County ROP.
Attendees visit information booths and speak with agency representatives during last year’s countywide transition resource fair, held indoors at the IUSD Learning Center. Tables from community organizations line the room as families gather materials and ask questions about services and employment supports.

OC event to connect students with disabilities and families to employment and community resources

Ian Hanigan February 19, 2026
Quick look: Students with disabilities and their families will gather March 10 in Irvine for the second annual “Empowering Transitions,...
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