More US schools teach in English and Spanish, but not enough to help Latino kids
Classes taught in both languages help students from various backgrounds, but many districts have fought to keep Spanish out of schools. Research shows that dual-language programs where children learn both Spanish and English are especially helpful for Latino English-language learners.
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/education/2020/01/06/english-language-learners-benefit-from-dual-language-education/4058632002/
What if Children Ran the School Lunchroom?
A new program lets students customize their meals, participate in taste tests and brainstorm ways to redesign their school cafeterias. On a recent Tuesday, the cafeteria at KairosPDX charter school in Portland, Ore., was buzzing as students lined up to taste two freshly made butternut squash recipes. The students were participating in a "Tasty Challenge" event organized by FoodCorps, a nonprofit organization that connects children to healthy food in schools..
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/well/eat/School-cafeteria-lunch-children-health-foodcorps-sweetgreen.html
EDSOURCE
Big promises for little kids: Has California governor delivered on early education?
As he was campaigning for governor, Gavin Newsom made some enormous promises for the youngest Californians and their families — universal preschool, affordable, high-quality child care, six months of paid family leave. And he's delivered — on the first few steps.
https://edsource.org/2020/big-promises-for-little-kids-has-california-governor-delivered-on-early-education/621744
El Rancho chief business officer placed on leave, alleges whistleblower retaliation
El Rancho Unified's Assistant Superintendent of Business Alejandro Rojas, placed on administrative leave last month, said he plans to fight his way back into the job. Rojas said he believes the district is retaliating against him for refusing to accelerate demolition timelines for the El Rancho High School rebuild project. In response, Superintendent Frances Esparza said: "In accordance with district policy, and out of respect for the privacy of the people involved, we cannot comment at this time."
https://www.sgvtribune.com/2020/01/04/el-rancho-chief-business-officer-placed-on-leave-alleges-whistleblower-retaliation/
Early Childcare Providers Are Spending Their Own Money To Take Care Of LA's Kids
Finding affordable child care in Los Angeles is often a struggle, but parents aren't the only ones dealing with the financial burden. Child-care providers lay out money for everything from rent, to utilities, to buying meals and snacks, to paying employees and other expenses. After all of that, their net pay can amount to minimum wage or less.
https://laist.com/2020/01/06/early_childcare_providers_are_spending_their_own_money_to_take_care_of_las_kids.php
OTHER NEWS OUTLETS
California State Senator Introduces "Protect Teachers on Medical Leave Act" - SB 796 Ensures School Employees Receive Full Pay While on Extended Sick Leave
As the California State Legislature reconvened on Monday, Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) introduced legislation that would repeal the 40-year-old California law requiring public school employees—including teachers—to pay for the cost of their substitutes, known as "differential pay". SB 796 would entitle school employees to continue to receive their full pay while on extended sick leave.
https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/21574-california-state-senator-introduces-protect-teachers-on-medical-leave-act-sb-79
Gym class without the gym? With technology, it's catching on
Grace Brown's schedule at West Potomac High School in northern Virginia is filled with all the usual academics, and she's packed in Latin, chorus and piano as extras. What she can't cram into the 8:10 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. school day is gym class. So she's taking that one minus the gym, and on her own time. The 14-year-old freshman is getting school credit for virtual physical education, a concept that, as strange as it may sound, is being helped along by availability of wearable fitness trackers.
https://apnews.com/b5f5807e64877fcdb6d5235e8c53e320
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