News Briefs | FYI
February 10, 2025
Report has recommendations for Holocaust education in CA
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released a new report with recommendations on how to improve Holocaust and genocide instruction in schools.
“Holocaust and Genocide Education in California: A Study of Statewide Context and Local Implementation” was released on Jan. 27.
In 2021, following a disturbing increase in antisemitic hate, Newsom established the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education to identify instructional resources to teach students across California about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide and provide young people with the tools necessary to recognize and respond to antisemitism and bigotry.
“In California, hate is unacceptable, and the shocking decline in awareness among young people about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide is especially alarming,” Newsom said, in a news release. “I was proud to establish the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education and grateful for their work on this comprehensive report. I look forward to reviewing the Council’s recommendations and ensuring that California continues to be a beacon for tolerance, empathy and education.”
Key findings of the study show that while some districts have developed robust programs, the overall landscape remains fragmented, with success often dependent on individual educator initiative. Local Educational Agency representatives emphasized the need for state-level support — ultimately pointing to the necessity of a systematic, state-supported approach to ensure the kind of equitable, high-quality Holocaust and genocide education statewide that the Council envisions.
Respondents highlighted increased student knowledge, heightened empathy, and higher levels of engagement as key successes of their Holocaust and genocide education efforts. However, the study uncovered significant gaps in implementation support. The majority of respondents shared that their LEAs did not provide professional development focused on Holocaust and genocide education.
The California-focused analysis revealed that while the state has made significant strides, including recent legislation and funding allocations, there are opportunities to further align and amplify these efforts.
Read the full report at https://content.acsa.org/holocaust-and-genocide-education-in-california.
FYI
Classified School Employees of the Year program opens
Each county office of education is invited to participate in the 2025 Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) Program. The CSEY Program highlights the contributions of classified school employees, who support the education of nearly 6 million California public school students from preschool through grade 12. The 2025 CSEY application and more information are available on the CDE CSEY web page www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cl. Applications are due Tuesday, March 25, at 4 p.m.
Summer Food Service Program applications open
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced that applications will be available for the Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option on Feb. 18. These are federally funded, state-administered programs that serve free meals to children 18 and younger when school is out of session. Organizations eligible to participate in Summer Meal Programs include schools, camps, nonprofits, tribal governments and government agencies. Applications are due by May 15. For more information, visit www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sf/index.asp. If your agency is interested in hosting a meal site, contact SFSP@cde.ca.gov.
Scholarships help students pursue behavioral health
The Behavioral Health Scholarship Program allows students to pursue a fulfilling career that aligns with their passion for service and social justice. With scholarships of up to $35,000, BHSP supports students and trainees on their journey to becoming licensed behavioral health professionals. Learn more at hcai.ca.gov/workforce/financial-assistance/scholarships/bhsp/info.