OCDE Newsroom

Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and Marvin Smith pose together in a studio

FutureCurrent: Former NFL player Marvin Smith on purpose, prevention and serving others

Ian Hanigan July 21, 2026

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California's first surgeon general, delivers the keynote address during the California Multi-Tiered System of Supports Professional Learning Institute on July 14 in Anaheim. Burke Harris spoke about the role of nurturing relationships and coordinated systems in supporting children's health, resilience and learning.

More than 2,300 educators gather to strengthen student supports at California MTSS Professional Learning Institute

Vicky Nguyen July 21, 2026

Participants listen attentively during a literacy training session at the OCDE Conference Center.

Yearlong literacy fellowship hosted by OCDE kicks off with summer training

Ian Hanigan July 21, 2026

12 Orange County high school alumni selected in the 2026 MLB Draft

Nathaniel Martinez July 20, 2026

Mariachi members prepare to welcome students and staff on the first day of school at Thomas Edison Elementary in Anaheim. Pictured from left are student Kiara Ramon, music teacher Grace Kwon, student Rita Polo, student Lupe Estrada, student Victoria Limones and music teacher Christina Flynn.

Weekly roundup: Anaheim Union launches mariachi music program at junior high campus, and more

Madeline Gray July 17, 2026

Weekly roundup: Irvine scholars advance to National Science Bowl, OCDE honors school counselors and counseling advocates, and more

Madeline Gray February 10, 2023

The science team at University High School recently surpassed more than 20 other high schools throughout Southern California to make...

Counselors and honorees from the Laguna Beach Unified School District attend the 2023 Orange County Counselor Symposium. (Courtesy of Laguna Beach High School)

OCDE honors five counselors and two counseling advocates for National Counseling Week

Madeline Gray February 8, 2023

Not only do school counselors play a vital role in helping students manage their emotions, they also guide students on...

Students compete in the Super Quiz Relay at the Orange County Academic Decathlon.

Orange County students test their knowledge in annual Super Quiz Relay

Madeline Gray February 7, 2023

On Saturday, Feb. 4, approximately 550 Orange County students put their hard work to the test for the final day of the 2023 Orange County Academic Decathlon at Westminster High School. Presented by the Orange County Academic Decathlon Association and...

Vanguard University, OCDE are teaming up for a two-day hybrid conference on human trafficking

Ian Hanigan February 7, 2023

Continuing a five-year partnership in the fight against trafficking and exploitation, Vanguard University and the Orange County Department of Education...

National School Counseling Week: 4 facts you might not know about school counselors

Staff reports February 6, 2023

All this week, Orange County and the rest of the nation are celebrating the vital contributions of school counselors, who...

A mentor and mentee in Newport-Mesa Unified

Newport-Mesa juniors gain real-world insight, experience through mentor program

Ian Hanigan February 6, 2023

For more than a quarter-century, Newport Harbor High School has offered its juniors the opportunity to connect with mentors as they explore potential careers. Today, the 1:1 Junior Career Mentor Program, which is funded by the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation,...

Weekly roundup: Santa Ana students become amateur zoologists, OCSA wins mock trial finals, and more

Ian Hanigan February 3, 2023

Monkeys, camels, reptiles and dung beetles — they’ve become part of the school experience for more than 400 Carver Elementary...

#kindness1billion: Orange County schools cultivate community through the Great Kindness Challenge

Madeline Gray February 1, 2023

Throughout the week of Jan. 23, students across Orange County set out to leave a positive impact on their schools...

Anaheim Elementary teacher honored for co-authoring book that promotes diversity in STEAM

Ian Hanigan January 31, 2023

The Anaheim Elementary School District recently celebrated a teacher who has co-authored a children’s book that’s part of a series promoting the STEAM fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Brittany Acevedo, who is in her second year at...

person viewing website for homeless education

OCDE develops online training to help schools support students experiencing homelessness

Ian Hanigan January 30, 2023

The Orange County Department of Education’s HOPES Collaborative has created an online training to help educators better understand the McKinney-Vento...