Eight campuses in Orange County have been recognized by the College Board for expanding opportunities for female students in computer science courses.
Buena Park High School in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Ocean View and Huntington Beach high schools in the Huntington Beach Union High School District, Magnolia High School in the Anaheim Union High School District, Magnolia Science Academy – Santa Ana, Orange Lutheran High School, Fairmont Preparatory Academy and Rosary Academy were recognized with the Female Diversity Award for their efforts in increasing female representation in advanced placement Computer Science Principles or Computer Science A courses.
Since 2016, the College Board has honored schools with at least 50 percent female representation in one or both AP computer science courses — or where the percentage of female participation meets or surpasses the school’s overall female population. According to College Board research, female students who take AP Computer Science Principles in high school are over five times more likely to major in the field in college than their peers who did not take the course.
The College Board highlighted these schools for their efforts to broaden participation in computer science and prepare female students for future opportunities in technology fields.
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- Dr. Sandra Lee, an educator with extensive expertise in literacy development, strategic planning and curriculum design, has been named OCDE’s associate superintendent of Educational Services.
- The NAMM Foundation hosted its annual Day of Service at Westmont Elementary School in Anaheim on Jan. 21, bringing music educators and industry professionals together to support student music programs and highlight career pathways in the arts.
- Orange County schools will take part in the Great Kindness Challenge Jan. 27 through Jan. 31, encouraging students to complete acts of kindness — such as saying thank you or making a new friend — as part of a global effort to promote compassion and community.
- School communities across Orange County are organizing donation drives and relief efforts to support families affected by recent wildfires in Southern California.
- The Laguna Beach Board of Education appointed Jeff Dixon, assistant superintendent of business services, as acting superintendent during its Jan. 9 meeting, with plans to discuss an interim superintendent appointment at a special meeting on Jan. 16.
- The Orange County Power Authority is inviting students in grades K-6 to participate in the “Picturing A Better Tomorrow” art contest, encouraging creative visions for a sustainable future and raising awareness about renewable energy and environmental protection.
- Fountain Valley’s Khale McDonnell dominated the Five Counties Invitational, winning the 215-pound title and leading his team to a fourth-place finish in one of California’s most competitive high school wrestling tournaments.
- The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has experienced increased enrollment as families displaced by Los Angeles County wildfires resettle in Newport Beach, according to the Daily Pilot.
- Pasadena Unified reopened 10 schools Thursday after extensive cleanup efforts following the Eaton fire, with plans to bring all students back to in-person learning by the end of the month.
- The Castaic Union School District closed all campuses Thursday due to the Hughes Fire, which has burned more than 9,000 acres near Los Angeles.
- According to EdSource, California education leaders and state officials are responding to the Trump administration’s reversal of 2011 guidance restricting immigration enforcement near schools.
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