OCDE Newsroom

Students attend a field trip at the Shipley Nature Center with Inside the Outdoors staff and their families.

WATCH: Inside the Outdoors program highlighted as rebuild of Rancho Soñado site moves forward

Madeline Gray March 18, 2026

FutureCurrent podcast guest Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez

FutureCurrent: Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez on mentorship, opportunity and possibility

Vicky Nguyen March 17, 2026

Weekly roundup: Three OC campuses named 2026 Model Continuation High Schools, and more

Madeline Gray March 13, 2026

County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean speaks from the stage to a seated audience during the Orange County State of Education event

OC State of Education: Dr. Bean delivers a message of progress, partnership and shared responsibility

Ian Hanigan March 13, 2026

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

#kindness1billion: OCDE campaign closes in on 15 million acts of kindness

Ian Hanigan February 27, 2024

In 2016, a movement began with a simple yet profound aim. At the direction of County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares,...

Q&A: Understanding California’s budget and its impact on schools

Ian Hanigan February 26, 2024

In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his budget proposal for the next fiscal year, addressing a projected $37 billion shortfall. ...

Weekly roundup: KTLA spotlights Academic Decathlon champs, Sowers Middle School gets a new campus, and more

Ian Hanigan February 23, 2024

KTLA 5 Morning News reporter Megan Telles was live in Irvine on Wednesday morning to help Woodbridge High School celebrate its latest Academic Decathlon victory. The visit was part of KTLA’s School Spirit Spotlight series, showcasing the achievements of Southern...

Los Alamitos High School sophomore sets sail for Olympic dream

Jennifer Nguyen February 22, 2024

Los Alamitos High School student Stewart McCaleb is flying out to Miami, but he won’t be there for a vacation....

Artificial intelligence in OC schools: It’s not about the tech, it’s about the approach

Ian Hanigan February 21, 2024

As OCDE’s new administrators of artificial intelligence and innovation, Wes Kriesel and Kunal Dalal stand at the edge of an...

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.

10th OC Counselor Symposium awards eight counselors and two counseling advocates

Madeline Gray February 21, 2024

More than 800 educators counselors, administrators and school staff gathered at the 2024 Orange County Counselor Symposium to learn new approaches toward empowering students. Organized by the Orange County Department of Education, the Feb. 7 event highlighted the unique contributions...

University High’s legal eagles soar to victory in OC Mock Trial, set sights on state finals

Ian Hanigan February 19, 2024

There’s no appealing this courtroom ruling. Showcasing their legal acumen and public speaking skills, students from University High School in...

OC high school students visit booths hosted by arts organizations, higher education institutions and school districts at the Orange County College and Career Pathways in the Arts event on Feb. 9.

Weekly roundup: Local arts educators share career pathways with families, Woodbridge students earn seventh decathlon title, and more

Madeline Gray February 16, 2024

Regional arts leaders representing 28 school districts, arts organizations, colleges and universities came together on Feb. 9 to give high...

WATCH: Westminster High rings in Lunar New Year with celebrity chef Jet Tila

Ian Hanigan February 15, 2024

On Feb. 8, Westminster High School in the Huntington Beach Union High School District hosted a vibrant Tết Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year, featuring celebrity chef Jet Tila from the Food Network. Chef Tila engaged students with stories...

2024 Creative Edge Lecture Series distinguished guest Nina Simon (Photo credit: Crystal Birns)

Creative Edge Lecture series will spotlight best-selling author and exhibition designer

Madeline Gray February 15, 2024

Nina Simon, a best-selling author and former museum director, will grace the stage of the Irvine Barclay Theater on March...