News Briefs | FYI | Feb. 6, 2023

Association of California School Administrators

News Briefs | FYI

February 6, 2023

Brief looks at newcomer students’ English development

Newcomer students’ first years in U.S. schools are a “window of opportunity” for English language development, according to a new policy brief from PACE.

The brief summarizes key findings from the Bilingual Research Journal article “Understanding Newcomer English Learner Students’ English Language Development: Comparisons and Predictors.” The study looked at incoming English proficiency and subsequent English language growth among students who are new to the U.S. compared to non-newcomer peers who are classified as English learners.

“On average, newcomer students have low initial English proficiency levels but their English proficiency develops quickly,” according to the brief. “Exploratory evidence shows that newcomers (vs. non-newcomer English learner peers) enter school at earlier stages of English proficiency but their proficiency grows faster, especially in their first two years.”

The authors suggest that teachers and administrators “should not take rapid ELP growth among newcomers for granted but should instead build on students’ language skills to support their rapid growth.” Administrators should be knowledgeable of ELP growth patterns so they can identify the grade bands or individual students that require extra support.

Read the policy brief at edpolicyinca.org/publications/newcomer-students-english-language-development.

Monterey COE receives $1 million safe schools grant

The Monterey County Office of Education has received a $1 million grant for the implementation of safe school strategies over the next three years.

MCOE was notified in September that it would receive a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance: STOP School Violence program aimed to improve efforts to reduce violent crimes in and around schools.

As outlined in the grant application, funding will be used to increase school safety measures within all 24 Monterey County public school districts by implementing the following: training using school-based behavioral threat assessments; technological solutions such as hotlines and anonymous reporting technology, Incident Command Systems training, and other school safety strategies that assist in preventing and managing violence in our schools.

“This grant will make a huge impact in our efforts to advance effective school safety measures for our Monterey County Schools,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss. “It was wonderful news to receive, and we are now swiftly constructing the details and timelines to execute these safe school strategies.”

Additionally, MCOE has established a multi-agency collaborative, the Monterey County Safe and Healthy Schools Coalition, that meets regularly to identify and address school safety needs countywide.

FYI

Submit your proposal to present at CEL Institute

Are you a classified leader with knowledge to share? Submit your proposal today to present at ACSA’s 2023 Classified Educational Leaders Institute, held May 17-19 at the Embassy Suites in Sacramento. Visit acsa.org/celinstitute and click the “Submit Proposal Now” button for more information. Proposals are due Friday, Feb. 24.

Virtual Networking Events open to all school leaders

ACSA’s Committees and Councils will hold special Virtual Networking Events in the coming months. All school leaders are invited to attend these meetings based on their job function and/or interest. Pre-registration is required using a unique Zoom link. Visit www.acsa.org/committees-councils and click on the Virtual Networking Events tab to register.

CDPH announces grants for indoor air quality

The California Department of Public Health has announced a new funding opportunity to educate, increase awareness, and engage schools and communities on the importance of indoor air quality. Schools and school districts are eligible to apply for the IAQ Community Education Grant, which offers funding to support schools in developing and disseminating innovative educational materials on how to improve IAQ and the health benefits of good IAQ. Local Educational Agencies may request up to $10,000. The application deadline is Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. Apply via the IAQ Innovative Community Education Grant Microsoft Form (bit.ly/40ksOqu), and any questions should be directed to IAQGrants@cdph.ca.gov.