More than 2.5 million students in California attend schools with less than 5 percent tree canopy in areas accessible to students, well below the 30 percent benchmark recommended by climate experts.

That’s according to a new study conducted by Green Schoolyards America, whose research team has been working for the past two years to collect data on the extent and distribution of tree canopy on California’s K-12 public school campuses.

The team used GIS to map the more than 131,000 acres of public land where California’s more than 5.8 million students go to school.

“Much of that land is paved and lacks trees and shade,” according to the group’s policy brief. “As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, this situation is becoming a crisis for most public schools across the state.”

The researchers distinguish trees on school-owned property from trees found in areas frequented by students, which it dubs “student zones.” California’s school campuses average 6.4 percent median tree canopy coverage in student zones.

These conditions can contribute to dangerously hot school grounds. According to Green Schoolyards of America’s research, unshaded asphalt can reach 140 degrees and rubber “safety” surfaces can reach temperatures of more than 165 degrees on a sunny 90-degree day.

An online interactive map shows school-site level data on the percentage of tree canopy and identified campuses with the highest need based on the number of students who qualify for free/reduced-priced meals.

The research was highlighted in a recent CalMatters article, which spoke to environmental groups who are pushing for the state to fund the greening of schoolyards through a climate bond or a carve-out in the infrastructure bond on the November ballot.

Read the research and explore the map at www.greenschoolyards.org/tree-canopy-equity.

Large school districts are using strategies such as differentiated pay to find teachers for their most hard-to-staff subjects and high-need schools, according to a recent analysis. A recent issue of the National Council on Teacher Quality’s District Trendline examined how large districts pay teachers differently based on district needs to fill these critical gaps.

Results from a sample analysis of 148 large districts nationwide show most districts are providing additional pay for hard-to-staff subjects, while half are offering pay incentives for teachers hired or retained in high-need schools. The subjects where large districts were most likely to provide differentiated compensation for teachers generally aligns with federal teaching shortage data — special education, English as a second language or bilingual education, math, and science. However, the additional pay districts offer may be too low to be effective, according to the analysis.

“... Research suggests that a bonus of at least 7.5 percent of a teacher’s base pay, or roughly $5,000 annually for the average teacher in the United States, is most effective for recruiting and retaining teachers in critical areas,” states author Michael Sheehy.

Read the full analysis at www.nctq.org/blog/More-districts-are-paying-teachers-strategically-to-meet-critical-needs.-Is-yours.

Make plans for CA Student Mock Election The 2024 General Election is quickly approaching, and it is the perfect opportunity to get students involved and excited about civic engagement. The California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond are partnering to host the 2024 California Student Mock Election on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. This program helps young people discover the importance of elections and the power of their votes in the democratic process. Students will discover how government and politics affect their daily lives through your school’s involvement. Once all the votes are counted, participating schools and students will be able to compare their votes to those of their peers at schools across the state.

Educators are strongly encouraged to incorporate this interactive program into their school’s curriculum. Registration and other important participation details for the 2024 California Student Mock Election are available at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/studentmockelection. You will be able to register your school and obtain resources for holding a successful student mock election through the web page. Please note that only one registration is allowed per school. If you and your colleagues would like to participate, please be sure to collaborate and select a Mock Election Coordinator for your campus. Each school that registers by Sept. 16 will receive a welcome packet in the mail. The welcome packets will contain an informational letter, “Save the Date” posters, High School Poll Worker recruitment fliers and “I Voted” stickers.