Here’s some positive news on the college readiness front: A new report says today’s incoming California State University students are more college-ready than their predecessors.
According to this story from the Long Beach Press-Telegram, a report presented to the CSU Board of Trustees on Tuesday indicates the percentage of freshmen who are prepared for their college-level English and math courses has nearly doubled since 1995, rising from 32 percent to 62 percent. The latter rate, which factors in those who took additional courses over the summer, would mean students who enrolled in fall 2016 were the most prepared in CSU history.
The overall trajectory is encouraging, but the Press-Telegram notes there is still a sizeable group that arrives underprepared — and the readiness gap widens for traditionally underserved groups. Meanwhile, trustees for the 23-campus CSU system also voted this week to raise tuition for the first time since the 2011-12 school year, according to this report in the Orange County Register.
In other education news:
Overturning a lower-court decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that schools must offer students with disabilities an “appropriately ambitious” educational program.
- More than 40 school districts throughout the state have issued reduction-in-force notices to teachers, indicating they may need to reduce staffing as a result of projected budget deficits.
- Students enrolled in OCDE’s alternative education program recently spent a week learning what it takes to be successful in the workplace, culminating with a shopping trip to Working Wardrobes for some professional attire. (Click through to check out before-and-after photos.)
- The story of a local student who’s been offered about $1 million in college scholarships may offer some lessons for parents looking to offset the costs of higher education.
- Four elementary schools in Orange County were each granted licensing to use a Disney song through a program that teaches young students to stage a musical productions.
- California’s charter schools could benefit under President Trump’s budget proposal, despite the administration’s plans to reduce federal education spending overall.
- The 2017 CHEP Expo showcased some pretty impressive projects and performances by students enrolled in OCDE’s Community Home Education Program.
- The Raise Foundation, designated as Orange County’s child abuse prevention council, is gearing up for a month-long campaign in April aligned with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.