Assemblymembers Anthony Rendon and James Gallagher. Photo by AP. A new California Assembly committee is exploring the reasons why some people are happier with their lives than others. Headed by former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes has had two hearings this year.
Image by michaeljungOPINION – Education is a game-changer that allows people to transcend their circumstances. Our Cal Grant program continues to sustain students, no matter their parents’ immigration status, but there are many outdated rules that still keep hundreds of thousands of needy students out.
Coins and banknote in a glass jar placed on the textbook. Concept money saving for education.OPINION – Prior to the pandemic there was a clearer delineation between traditional schools and more flexible “nonclassroom-based public charter schools.” The old-line educational world looked down on teaching that did not involve 100% in-person instruction. But the pandemic changed the point of view of many teachers, parents, and students and realigned the education world around recognizing the value and benefits of more innovative, flexible, and personalized learning models that have demonstrated a track record of success with diverse populations of students for decades.
Idea concept. Right choice. Wrong direction. Achievement of the goal. Successful strategy. Solving problem. Prohibition sign, light bulb and arrows on buttons. 3d renderOPINION – Every week, we are warned about the crisis of education in our state – but we need to move past alarmist headlines and to supporting real, tangible solutions happening right here in California that are strengthening our pathways to teaching.
Sen. Mike McGuire, photo by APNew Senate pro Tem Mike McGuire announced his Senate Democratic Leadership Team and committee membership assignments for the 2024 Legislative year. The Senate Rules Committee will ratify the committee memberships next Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly’s Conference on Education Policy which was held in Sacramento on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. This is Panel 1 – TEACHER SHORTAGE AND OTHER CHALLENGES.
Image by Jacob LundOPINION – The Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (OCSD) is a new state-sponsored competition, courtesy State Senator Dave Min, which challenges college students to build housing units that address the climate crisis (as well as workforce development, homelessness, and affordable housing).
Monika Lee, photo by Scott Duncan PhotographyMonika Lee’s story showcases many of the possible avenues for creating meaningful change in Sacramento. In her five years in the community, Lee has moved up the ranks in three different organizations and worked with a variety of issue areas, letting her passion for equity guide her along the way.
Image by Manuela DursonOPINION – California is well-known for its bold and innovative policies that create equitable economic opportunities for all. But California does not have a similar tuition policy for Mexico students.
Image by palidachanOPINION: Our schools should be safe places for our children to learn, thrive, and build community. But California schools are not equipped for the challenges that we are already experiencing as a result of climate change – especially heat and wildfire smoke.