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Dear Colleagues,
Despite the recent hot temperatures, this month marks a change in the seasons as well as a time to renew our commitment to fostering an enriching and supportive environment for all our students. I would like to remind you of the list of professional development opportunities below that our agency and other organizations, including the state, offer to build your knowledge and enhance your skills.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This observation serves as a reminder to emphasize kindness, respect, and inclusivity within our schools. I encourage everyone—students, staff, and families—to engage in conversations about empathy and understanding, reinforcing the values we hold dear in our community.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to your students, families and school communities. As always, feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues or encourage them to join our mailing. Together, we can create an inspiring and nurturing environment for our students to thrive.
In partnership,
Lynn Mackey
Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools
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A wide range of professional learning offerings from across the state to build capacity around serving our multilingual learners.
Audience: Site Administrators, Classroom Teachers, EL Leaders, TOSAs, Specialists
Cost: Free
Professional Learning Catalog
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Webinars showcase expert practitioners sharing best practices for serving
newcomer youth.
Audience: EL Coordinators, Administrators, TOSAs, Specialists, Teachers
Dates/Time: 10/10, 11/7, 12/12, 1/23, 2/20; 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details
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Session focuses on developing an English Learner Master Plan (ELMP). Participants engage with The English Learner Master Plan Playbook and California EL Roadmap Implementation Guides and Toolkits.
Audience: Site Administrators, District Teams, EL Leaders
Dates/Time: 10/10, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Registration
Flyer
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A wide range of professional learning offerings from across the state to build capacity around serving our multilingual learners.
Dates: See Catalog
Cost: Free
Professional Learning Catalog
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ELEVATE, EDUCATE, EMPOWER: Advancing Multilingual Excellence in the Classroom
Audience: Teachers, Site Administrators, Paraeducators, and Counselors
Date: 10/29
Cost: Free
Registration
Flyer
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This Community of Practice provides an opportunity for high school counselors across the state to learn about topics specific to supporting MLs. All sessions are virtual.
Format: 1st hour – Presentation, 2nd hour - Community of Practice.
Audience: High School Counselors, TOSAs, EL Specialists, School Administrators
Dates/Time: Next session 10/30, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Register
Flyer
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This in-person professional learning opportunity uses the framework of the EL Roadmap Principles, the series will delve into developmentally appropriate and culturally/ linguistically supportive early education approaches. Drawing upon a new Toolkit, leaders will work with a series of readings, tools, activities, case studies and other resources.
Audience: Site Administrators, District Teams, EL Leaders
Dates: 11/5 and 11/13, 8:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Registration
Flyer
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Sessions support designing responsive designated ELD lessons that build upon students’ knowledge across the disciplines. Teachers will expand their understanding of backward planning to identify English learners’ strengths and needs to provide targeted language instruction.
Audience: Site Administrators, Classroom Teachers, EL Leaders
Dates: 11/6, 1/16, 3/6, 8:30-3pm
Cost: Free
Registration
Flyer
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This virtual CoP is dedicated to building our collective knowledge and capacity to improve newcomer education and programming.
Audience: EL Coordinators, Administrators, TOSAs, Specialists
Dates/Time: 11/19, 2/11, 5/6, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Registration
Flyer
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Bay Area Regional Ethnic Studies Foundations Course
Asynchronous course for Ethnic Studies Teachers, 2 CE units available
Dates/Times: Self-paced
Audience: Ethnic Studies Teachers
Cost: $50 per credit
Location: Virtual
Registration
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CCLA Online Courses for Learning Acceleration
The California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA) offers access to free self-paced courses that provide evidence-based strategies to boost learning acceleration in the classroom.
Available Online Courses: Learning Acceleration Introduction Course: This course provides an understanding of what learning acceleration is and why it is needed. It introduces the five components of CCLA: mastery of priority content, evidence-based strategies, Universal Design for Learning, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and social-emotional learning practices. These courses support evidence-based strategies to accelerate learning in math, literacy, and language development. Check out our new paraeducator courses too.
Dates: Asynchronous
Audience: All TK-12 Educators
Cost: FREE
Location: Virtual
Website & Online Course Access
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Early Care and Education - Professional Development Program (PDP)
PDP offers financial incentives to early care and education providers, teaching staff, and program administrators for completing college courses, earning degrees, or participating in professional development training.
PDP flyer
View Professional Development Calendar
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CCCOE Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program
Are you an educator that is considering a transition into a leadership role? Our PASC Program is a high-quality, local, and affordable option for those looking to take this next step. We are now accepting applications for our 2025-26 Cohort that begins in February 2025.
Information Session
Date/Time: October 8/3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Registration
Details: PASC webpage and PASC flyer
Enrollment closes 12/1/24
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College Board: Unlocking Opportunities Beyond the SAT
Sessions are presented by Andy Bride, Associate Director, at The College Board. Topics include PSAT 8/9, Big Future, Pre AP, AP African American Studies, AP PreCalc, AP Seminar, Career Kickstart, New Courses
Audience: District Leaders, High School Principals, Counselors, Teacher Leaders
Dates/Time: October 9, November 13, December 4, January 15, February 5, March 12, April 16, May 7/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Registration
Flyer
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CAST and CAST Interim Assessment Strategies
Learn strategies to prepare students for the California Science Test (CAST) and the CAST Interim Assessments. Collaborate with colleagues on best practices to engage students with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Date/Time: October 8/ 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Audience: General Education and Science Teachers, Coaches
Cost: Free
Registration
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California Healthy Youth Act: Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV Prevention Education Requirements
Hosted by the California Department of Public Health STD Control Branch in collaboration with the California Department of Education
The training will summarize the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) requirements for comprehensive sexual health instruction and discuss frequently asked questions including requirements for parental notification, using guest presenters for CHYA-aligned instruction, and more.
Date/Time: October 9, 2024/ 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Audience: Teachers, Administrators
Cost: Free
Registration
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CCCOE & College Board: Unlocking Opportunities Beyond the SAT
Presented by Andy Bride, Associate Director at The College Board. With a mindset of equity in education for all students, Bride offers insight to help districts focus their efforts on unlocking the widest array of post-secondary options for every student. His session topics include: PSAT 8/9, Big Future, Pre AP, AP African American Studies, AP PreCalc, AP Seminar, Career Kickstart, and New Courses.
Audience: District Leaders, High School Principals, Counselors, Teacher Leaders
Dates/Times: October 9, November 13, December 4, January 15, February 5, March 12, April 16, May 7 / 3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Registration & Flyer
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Getting Reading Right: Filling the Gaps in the Secondary ELA Classroom
Teachers of older students who are struggling readers need research-based tools and strategies for addressing reading gaps, not just scaffolds as band-aids. Participants will explore best practices for helping students master the code, develop fluency, and build content vocabulary knowledge. It’s time to get reading right in our middle and high school ELA classrooms! Join us for this monthly learning opportunity. You can earn one graduate unit for participation at an additional cost.
Dates: October 14, November 4, December 9, January 13, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5 / 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Audience: Grades 6-8 ELA Teachers, TOSAs, Instructional Coaches, Site/District Leaders
Location: Virtual
COST: FREE
Registration
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CA Mathematics Framework Professional Learning Series 2024-2025
Through this IN PERSON Professional Learning Series, we explore the 2023 CA Mathematics Framework together in order to inform a productive curriculum adoption in the future. We encourage you to bring a team (not required) to engage in a deeper understanding of the shifts and implications to best support all students.
· Gain and deepen knowledge of the 2023 CA Mathematics Framework.
· Develop a clear vision of mathematics instruction for your district.
· Prepare for an informed curriculum adoption.
Audience: Site or District Leaders, Coaches/TOSA’s, Teacher Leaders
Dates/Time: October 15, December 3, February 4, April 15/ 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill
Cost: Free
Registration & Flyer
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Social Emotional Learning in the Arts
Creative Health is a concept that recognizes the powerful benefits the arts provide to our overall health and well-being. Learn trauma-informed art strategies to create experiences that develop students’ SEL competencies.
Date/Time: October 17 /1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill
Audience: General Education and Arts Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Cost: Free
Registration and Flyer
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Integrating Computational Thinking, Math and Science Professional Learning Series
Join facilitators from the Lawrence Hall of Science for a yearlong series, including three full in-person days at the Contra Costa County Office of Education and one virtual follow up session. Integrating computational thinking, mathematics, and science enhances students' comprehension and engagement. Gain foundational knowledge and practical strategies. Teams are encouraged to register.
Date/Location/Time: October 17, December 9, February 4, IN PERSON at CCCOE/ 9:00 a.m. and April 23 Virtual/ 3:30 p.m.
Audience: TK-12 Educators, Coaches, Administrators
Cost: Free
Registration and Flyer
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Accelerate Learning Through Engagement – Virtual Series
Learn about the six forms of engagement and explore a continuum to give students and teachers a common language to discuss engagement within context of classroom learning.
Audience: All Educators
Dates: October 22, November 19, December 10/ 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Registration & Flyer
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Tobacco Use Prevention Education Trainings
One-on-One Substance Use Intervention Program Facilitator Training- Brief Intervention
This training is to build skills of people working with adolescents. Brief Intervention (BI) is a short-term intervention that consists of 2 to 4 sessions aimed at adolescents who use alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. This approach uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy and the stages of change model to meet the needs of adolescents. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as well as materials.
Audience: Community-based Organization Staff; Counselors; Educators; Health & Wellness Center Staff; School Administrators; School Nurses; Site Coordinators; Teachers/Staff
Date/Time: October 22 /10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Contra Costa County Office of Education,
77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill
Registration
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AI in Education
Empowering Through AI - Educate, Innovate and Elevate
3 Strands: Educators (monthly virtual), Policy (Ed Tech Subcommittee) and CCCOE Staff (Monthly Lunch and Learn).
Audience: Educators, CCCOE Staff
Dates/Time: October 23, December 16, January 27, February 22, March 24, April 28; times vary
Lunch and Learn and Monday of the Month: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Flyer
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CCLA Virtual Statewide Mathematics Workshops Series
Session 1: Fostering Engagement and Belonging while Unveiling Student Assets
Come together with educators statewide to gain knowledge and deepen understanding of learning acceleration. Explore how creating a culture of belonging and engagement utilizing elements of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (CSP) can accelerate learning.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 24/3:45 p.m - 4:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Audience: TK-12 Educators, Coaches, Administrators
Cost: Free
Registration & Flyer
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Learning Acceleration Leadership Series
Learning acceleration is a mindset shift. Strategically approaching what you
are already doing to best support implementation of instructional practices
that bridge to grade level content for all students, especially those with unfinished learning. Come learn more about Learning Acceleration and how it could fit into your site plan.
Audience: Site or District Leaders, Coaches/TOSA’s, Teacher Leaders
Dates/Time: October 24, December 6, February 28, April 18 / 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill
Cost: Free
Registration & Flyer
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Early Math Fall Forum
The Early Math Forum focuses on the powerful role of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in everyday play in children’s growth and development. The forum’s keynote speakers and breakout sessions will provide ideas and tools to support the mathematical development of all young children.
Audience: Early childhood educators, childcare providers, and families
Date/Time: October 29/ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: FREE
Registration
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Ethnic Studies Workgroup
Audience: Ethnic Studies Teachers
Dates/Time: November 12, January 14, March 11, May 20/ 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Registration: N/A
Flyer
Contact: kwarren@cccoe.k12.ca.us
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Integrating Computational Thinking, Math and Science Professional Learning Series
Join facilitators from the Lawrence Hall of Science for a yearlong series, including three full in-person days at the Contra Costa County Office of Education and one virtual follow up session. Integrating computational thinking, mathematics, and science enhances students' comprehension and engagement. Gain foundational knowledge and practical strategies. Teams are encouraged to register.
Date/Location/Time: December 9, February 24 / IN PERSON at CCCOE at 9:00 a.m. and April 23 VIRTUAL at 3:30 p.m.
Audience: TK-12 Educators, Coaches, Administrators
Cost: Free
Registration
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Project ARISE: Literacy Online Courses
Project ARISE is a grant funded project that offers access to 5 asynchronous, self-paced courses at no cost to all CA educators.
- Course content includes literacy as equity, executive functions, reading foundations, comprehension, and intensive interventions.
- 3 graduate units are available through a partnership with UOP ($50/unit) once all five courses are completed.
Dates: Open enrollment, self-paced
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Audience: All CA Educators - Teachers, Interventionists, Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Administrators
Cost: FREE
Enroll
Would you like to talk about bringing your new learning to life in your classroom? Join our Statewide Virtual Community
Dates: December 12, February 13, March 13
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Audience: Anyone enrolled in the courses
Cost: FREE
Location: Virtual
Registration
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Contra Costa County Library News | |
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October 2024
Fall is here again and that means it’s time to enjoy another community book with Contra Costa Reads. This year’s selection is the award winning “The Things We Didn’t Know,” by Elba Iris Pérez. The book is a coming-of-age story about moving to the United States from Puerto Rico, learning to exist in two cultures, navigating family rifts while learning to assimilate to American culture. Read Contra Costa is an annual event that encourages all county residents and library users to share in the experience of reading and discussing the same book at the same time. There are two opportunities to listen to the author discuss her novel and ask questions. She will appear in person at the Pleasant Hill Library on November 9 at 11 a.m. and virtually via Zoom on November 12 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the Read Contra Costa page at ccclib.org/read-contra-costa. The book is available in hardback, eBook and eAudiobook formats. The program runs through November 12.
Consumer Reports
The Library now provides free access to ConsumerReports.org, a buying advice tool that can help you get the best deal or product. You can use it to find reliable ratings and reviews for thousands of products and help you make the most of your time and money. You can also access money-saving advice and tips, buying guides, videos and more. Some popular subjects include appliances, cars, electronics, health, fitness and food, and home and garden. To begin using Consumer Reports, visit ccclib.org/resources.
Book Rich Environments
For the last seven years, the Library has partnered with the Contra Costa Housing Authority and Tandem, Partners in Early Learning as part of the Book Rich Environments program to connect families living in public housing communities with reading-related resources. Since 2018, the Library has delivered more than 40,000 free books to families across the county. The next event is called Wild About Books and takes place on Thursday, October 3 at 3:30 p.m. There will be free books for kids and teens, snacks, games, crafts and library card sign-ups. This event will take place at 875 El Pueblo Avenue in Pittsburg near the Community Garden.
Introduction to Public Speakiing
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. – Dougherty Station Library
Designed specifically for middle and high school students, this program will help boost confidence and enhance personal relationships through effective communication. Registration is required.
Growing Microgreens Indoors Year Round
Saturday, October 12, 11:30 a.m. – Martinez Library
Join Master Gardener volunteer Andrea as she demonstrates how vegetables and herbs can be grown year-round into microgreens indoors. After the presentation, participants will have a chance to start their own microgreens to take home.
Birds of Bhutan
Monday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. – via Zoom
Join award-winning photographer Bob Lewis for a journey to meet the most interesting birds among the 700+ species that live in the small, forested Buddhist nation of Bhutan. Registration is required to receive Zoom link.
More Info
For more information on all Contra Costa County Library programs, digital resources and events, visit ccclib.org.
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Arthur S. Marmaduke High School Counselor Award (Nominations Close on October 31)
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has opened nominations for the 2024–25 Arthur S. Marmaduke High School Counselor Award. Each year, an outstanding California high school counselor is recognized for demonstrating exemplary skills in helping students fulfill their dreams of going to college. Candidates will be evaluated based on their work to educate students about financial aid opportunities, their participation in events such as college fairs and workshops, their impact on financial aid application completion rates, what they have done to help students prepare for college, and their support for underrepresented and first-generation families. Nominate a California high school counselor using the award nomination form by October 31. For information on eligibility criteria and the nomination process, visit the CSAC Marmaduke High School Counselor Award web page.
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2024–25 California Green Ribbon Schools Award (Deadline: November 4)
Applications for the California Green Ribbon Schools Award Program for 2024–25 are now open. The program honors schools, districts, and institutes of higher education for excellence in resource efficiency, health, wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. Since 2014, the CDE has recognized 112 public schools, 44 school districts, and three county offices of education for their sustainability efforts. Join these leaders by pursuing recognition for the 2024–25 school year. The survey and the online application period will close on November 4, 2024. Email the California Green Ribbon Schools team at greenribbonschools@cde.ca.gov with any questions.
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2025 United States Senate Youth Program (Nominations Close on October 7)
Nominations are open for the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program, a program for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in public service. Two student delegates from each state will be selected to attend a unique program in Washington, D.C., March 1–8, 2025, and each will receive a $10,000 college scholarship. To apply, students must be nominated by their high school principal and currently serve in an elected or appointed leadership capacity in a student government, civic, or educational organization for the entire 2024–25 school year. The application and scholarship information are available on the CDE U.S. Senate Youth Program web page. The deadline to apply is October 7, 2024, at noon.
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The 33rd Annual MUN conference will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Del Valle Education Center in Walnut Creek.
Committees
Nuclear Disarmament
Universal Access to Education
Food Security
Sustainable Cities
Biological and Chemical Weapons
Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine
This academic event is produced and directed by CCCOE and coordinated by Best Delegate. The day-long event enhances high school students’ understanding of the United Nations and its role in global issues. Participating students (delegates) each represent a nation and negotiate on that country’s behalf.
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California Educators Together Guidebooks
Are you looking for high-quality, standards-aligned lessons to inspire your classroom? Guidebooks from California Educators Together have you covered. These curated resources offer lessons crafted with English language development and Universal Design for Learning scaffolding to support all learners. Whether you are teaching science, history, math, English language arts, or career and technical education, there is something for everyone. Each guidebook includes lesson plans, educator highlights, demo videos, podcasts, and access to free curriculum.
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New CYBHI for Schools Web Page
The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is dedicated to making sure young people can access the services they need in the places and spaces where they spend the most time, and schools are critical to making that happen. The new CYBHI for Schools web page is a one-stop shop to find tools, information, resources, and programs designed to support TK–12 administrators, school health personnel, teachers, school staff, students, and families.
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News and Literacy for All Webinar Series
The CDE is continuing to work with the News Literacy Project in conjunction with COEs in Santa Clara, Fresno, and San Diego and the California School Library Association to bring you a series of free virtual webinars with resources for educators to help hone their students’ news and media literacy skills. All the webinars start at 3:30 p.m. and will be accessed through Zoom.
· October 17: Elections Specific, Using Current Events
· November 21: Is It Legit – 5 Verifications for Misinformation
· February 20, 2025: Artificial Intelligence Awareness and the Research Process
· March 20, 2025: Algorithms, Building Search Habits
· April 17, 2025: Making Sense of Data
For more information, email Jennifer Howerter, Education Programs Consultant, at jhowerter@cde.ca.gov.
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Educational Programming of edTV
Looking for some additional quality Monday-Friday educational programming at home or in the classroom? Check out the latest edTV broadcasts.
edTV can be found in most of Contra Costa County on cable channels 32 (Comcast) or 99 (AT&T U-Verse). For info: Daily schedule can be found here.
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Published by the Contra Costa County Office of Education Communications Office | |
Contra Costa County Office of Education
77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Lynn Mackey, Superintendent of Schools
communications@cccoe.k12.ca.us
Dateline is distributed during the school year to all public schools in the county by the Communications Office. The information must be received by the first of the preceding month. Publication does not signify the Contra Costa County Office of Education endorses the event or program mentioned.
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Contra Costa County Office of Education
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