August 27th
Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.
Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools

The Sept. 30 deadline to complete the 2020 Census is approaching. As trusted messengers, districts and schools are urged to continue to spread the word about the importance of being counted.

Below you will find information about LACOE activities and resources to help the education community spread the word.

One initiative I'd like to highlight is the Census 'Chalkathon' being held from Aug. 17 - Sept. 7. During this time, students, families, school staff and professional artists are invited to create sidewalk art promoting Census participation.

Please visit the LA County Census Chalkathon web page to learn more.

Let's do all we can in this final month to ensure an accurate 2020 Census count in Los Angeles County. So much depends on it.
Public Health Update
  • Immunizations – There are no changes in immunization requirements. There are no grace periods or extensions provided by the California Department of Public Health. Schools should ensure students are in compliance for immunizations prior to returning to in-person instruction.

  • Face Drapes – A face shield should have a face drape if worn without a face covering or mask. The face drape should attach to the bottom of the face shield and be tucked into a shirt/top. LACOE does not have recommendations for vendors. Several vendors offer disposable drapes.

  • Face Coverings – The LA County Dept. of Public Health and CDC advise masks (face coverings) with a valve should not be used as the exhalation valves or vents allow virus particles to escape. The CDC advises caution in using gaiters. Evaluation is ongoing, but effectiveness is unknown.

  • Precautions for employees/persons in a COVID-19 vaccine trial — Any special precautions or instructions that the trial subject needs to observe should come from the trial investigators. If no instructions, the trial participant would follow the same recommendations for isolation or quarantine as indicated for symptoms or exposure.
Census 2020
With only one month left to complete the 2020 Census, LACOE continues to work with schools and districts in getting out the count. Together with We Count LA, LACOE is sponsoring a Census Fill-A-Long with Univision/KMEX34 on Thursday, Sept. 3, during the 6:30 pm newscast. LACOE encourages schools to invite families to be part of this event, where they can ask questions and get assistance to fill out the Census.

To assist districts in spreading the word, following are graphics and messages that are easy to share through social media channels.
 
Social Graphics

Instagram Copy (English) 
  • Tune in to our special Facebook Live with Univision on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30pm to fill out your #2020Census form together. We'll be going through the questions step by step with host Evelyn Sicairos. Don't miss out! #WeCountLA

Instagram Copy (Spanish) 
  • Este jueves 3 de septiembre a las 6:30pm, acompáñenos en un evento especial con Univision en Facebook Live para completar su formulario del censo con Evelyn Sicairos. Contestaremos todas sus preguntas. ¡No se lo puede perder! #WeCountLA 

Facebook Copy (English) 
  • Tune in to our special Facebook Live with Univision on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30pm to fill out your 2020 Census form together. We'll be going through the questions step by step with host Evelyn Sicairos. Don't miss out!  

Facebook Copy (Spanish) 
  • Este jueves 3 de septiembre a las 6:30pm, acompáñenos en un evento especial con Univision en Facebook Live para completar su formulario del censo con Evelyn Sicairos. Contestaremos todas sus preguntas. ¡No se lo puede perder! #WeCountLA 

Twitter Copy (English) 
  • Tune in to our special Facebook Live with Univision on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30pm to fill out your #2020Census form together. We'll be going through the questions step by step with host Evelyn Sicairos. Don't miss out! #WeCountLA 

Twitter Copy (Spanish) 
  • Este jueves 3 de septiembre a las 6:30pm, acompáñenos en un evento especial con Univision en Facebook Live para completar su formulario del censo con Evelyn Sicairos. Contestaremos todas sus preguntas. ¡No se lo puede perder! #WeCountLA 
 
LACOE also encourages schools to use the LACOE Digital Toolkit assets to find talking points on why the Census is important for our schools.  

Key message for schools:

“All Californians can participate in the 2020 C  ensus and make a difference today! There are four easy ways to fill out the form:  
1. Online at my2020census.gov  
2. By phone at 844-330-2020  
3. By mail if you received a paper form 
4. In person with an enumerator  
Completing your 2020 Census questionnaire now will help California’s students, families and communities for the next 10 years.”
Curriculum & Instruction
Webinar on language-focused formative assessment practices for distance learning 
Sept. 10: Elementary Focus | Sept. 14: Secondary Focus | 3:00 – 4:30 pm 
 
LACOE’s Multilingual Academic Support Unit, in collaboration with the Center for Equity for English Learners at Loyola Marymount University, will host a learning session featuring Dr. Myriam Met. The webinar will provide practical instructional strategies for formative assessment to inform content and language learning in virtual contexts. Participants will also learn ways to apply formative assessment practices for EL students to provide meaningful feedback and extend language and content learning. 

The intended audience is teachers of English Learner students. Priority will be given to Title III LEAs. 

There is no cost attend, but registration is required.

State Budget
On Aug. 22, SB 820 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review), a budget trailer bill relating to education finance, was released. The Assembly released its version of the bill on Aug. 25 as AB 1865 (Committee on Budget). Significant provisions of the bill include: 

Learning Loss Mitigation Funds

  • Revises the expend timeframe for the Federal Trust Fund from March 13, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2022 and extends the use of the state General Fund of $539 million from March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. LEAs may also use these funds to support students in childcare, preschool and adult education programs. Added to the list of allowable expenses are COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, sanitation supplies and other related needs.

  • Revises the federal funds reporting timeframe of unexpended funds received from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the State Superintendent from Aug. 31, 2020 to Oct. 15, 2020 and the timeframe for reporting unexpended funds from the Federal Trust Fund from Sept. 30, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022.

Technology-Based Materials

  • Expands the definition of “technology based materials” to include the electronic equipment materials used by pupils and teachers as a learning resource, including, but not limited to, laptop computers and devices that provide internet access. 
 
Average Daily Attendance (ADA) Growth

  • Increased funding based on enrollment or ADA growth in 2020-21 for LEAs.
Resources for Districts & Schools
Distance Learning Instruction Planning Guidance (CDE) click here

Practical Guide for Financing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health in Schools (California Children's Trust) click here

Sacramento History Museum Virtual Field Trips click here

Let's Go to College California (SoCal College Access Network) click here