Law aims to end negative labeling of students

"Words matter. None of us should refer to any child with deficit language," said LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo at a Dec. 16 signing celebration for  AB 413, a new law that changes the term "at-risk" to "at-promise" in the state's Education and Penal Codes effective Jan. 1, 2020. 

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Program targets needs of preschoolers with disabilities

LACOE Head Start-Early Learning has launched an effort to build  the capacity of childcare and education providers to increase access, participation and support for children with disabilities.  Through training and technical assistance, the program aims to create more inclusive early learning environments countywide.
A boost for student well-being

LACOE joined with the County Board of Supervisors, the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, Planned Parenthood L.A. and LAUSD to announce a groundbreaking effort to address the social, emotional and sexual health needs of young people throughout the region.

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Districts convened for launch of 2020 Census outreach in schools

LACOE recently convened 43 districts in some of the hardest to count communities in L.A. County to launch the 2020 Census outreach campaign in schools. Some $2 million from the state is available to support efforts at more than 900 schools to promote an accurate count.

Read the story. Sign up for the Jan. 15 Census curriculum training
Local schools show progress in state accountability system

The release of the 2019 California School Dashboard provides the latest data related to K-12 education and demonstrates that L.A. County schools are making steady progress on several key indicators. The data also provide insight into areas where additional support is needed.

Read the story and listen to the EdSource podcast featuring Supt. Debra Duardo
New county administrator for Inglewood

With the goal of returning oversight and governance to the community and its elected board members, LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo has appointed Erika Torres to serve as the county administrator for Inglewood USD. The action was taken under AB 1840, a 2018 law that assigned oversight of school districts in receivership to county offices of education. Torres most recently served as LACOE's deputy superintendent.

Read more and read the op-ed by Supt. Duardo and IUSD Board President D'Artagnan Scorza
LACHSA is tops in national arts awards

Twenty students from the L.A. County High School for the Arts have been named 2020 National YoungArts Foundation winners for their outstanding artistic achievement. With a total of 22 awards -- 10 Finalist, 4 Honorable Mention and 8 Merit -- LACHSA topped the 414 schools recognized with the highest number of finalists and total awards for the second year in row. 
Help for schools in addressing vaping epidemic

More than 30% of L.A. County high schoolers have used e-cigarettes, with at least one in 10 stating they are current users. LACOE's Tobacco-Use Prevention Education unit is dedicated to helping schools and districts prevent and address student tobacco use and nicotine addiction through training and technical assistance, available on request. 

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Support students, have fun at 'Acadeca'

Are you looking for a rewarding way to show your support for public schools and students? Then don't miss the chance to volunteer at the 2020 L.A. County Academic Decathlon.

Speech and interview judges are needed for Day 1 of the competition, set for Sat., Jan. 25 at El Rancho H.S. No experience needed; training and meals provided.

Sign up to volunteer
Local districts earn coveted award

Congratulations to the 14 L.A. County districts honored this year with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. Winning the award is a mark of innovation and educational excellence.

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District leaders recognized for excellence

The Association of California School Administrators has honored four local educators with statewide awards: Newhall SD Governing Board Member Suzan T. Solomon, Ferd Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award; Rowland USD Superintendent Julie Mitchell, Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence; Lancaster SD Superintendent Michele Bowers, Valuing Diversity Award; Palmdale SD Assistant Superintendent John C. Porter (retired-not pictured), Student Services Administrator of the Year.

View all award winners

Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.,
Superintendent 

Los Angeles County Board of Education
James Cross,  President
Monte E. Perez, Vice President
Douglas R. Boyd, Betty Forrester, Alex Johnson, Ellen Rosenberg, Thomas A. Saenz

Produced by LACOE Communications Dept.: Elizabeth Graswich, Executive Director; Margo Minecki, Editor; Nimfa Rueda, Contributing Writer; Timothy Cox, Moshe Godwin, Jennifer Hocutt, Graphic Design and Web Publishing

Comments? Call us at 562/922-6360 or email communications@lacoe.edu
T he  Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is the nation's largest regional education agency, providing a range of programs and services to support the county's 80 school districts  and more than 2 million preschool and school-age children.
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