Bay Area Ethnic Studies Foundations Course

The Bay Area Regional Ethnic Studies Collaborative in partnership with the UC Berkeley History Social Science Project developed a Ethnic Studies course for educators to support the implementation of Ethnic Studies. Educators can receive 2 Continuing Education Units from The University of the Pacific for completing this course.

Dates/Times: Self-paced or within a team

Audience: Educators

Cost: Free or $50 per credit if receiving Continuing Education credits

Location: Virtual

Registration

Early Care and Education - Professional Development Program 

The Professional Development Program 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 trainings.

Audience: Early Childhood educators, staff, and administrators

Cost: Free

Location: N/A

Date: Financial Incentives available beginning September 1

PDP flyer  

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. 

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.

Online Content Courses: These courses support evidence-based strategies to accelerate learning in math, literacy, and language development. Check out our new Para Educator Courses too. 

Dates: Asynchronous

Audience: All TK-12 Educators

Cost: FREE  

Location: Virtual

Website & Online Course Access  

CCLA Statewide Literacy Workshops Series

Session 1: Boosting Engagement to Create a Classroom

Where Everyone Belongs

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.

Audience: TK-12 Educators, Coaches, Administrators

Date: September 5, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Registration

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: September 9, 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 

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. Virtual informational sessions are available through October. We will also be hosting an in-person informational session at CCCOE on September 10 from 5-6 p.m. Visit our PASC page or see our PASC flyer for more information or to enroll today! 

More Info

Ethnic Studies Workgroup 

Network for CCCOE teachers and district leaders of Ethnic Studies.

Audience: Educators and Administrators

Date/Time: September 10, November 12, January 14, March 11, May 20 / 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Registration/Details: Contact Kristy Warren at kwarren@cccoe.k12.ca.us

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: September 16, October 14, November 4, December 9,

January 13, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5 / 3:45-5:00 p.m.

Audience: Grades 6-8 ELA Teachers, TOSAs, Instructional Coaches, Site/District Leaders

Location: Virtual

COST: FREE

Registration

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: September 17, October 22, November 19, December 10 

Location: Virtual 

Time: 3:45-5:00 p.m. 

Cost: Free 

Registration & Flyer 

Standard 5 Summit 

Standard 5 Summit is a professional learning event in collaboration with Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, Marin and Napa counties! The Standard 5 Summit will provide an opportunity for PE teachers, athletic directors, coaches, site, and district administrators to deeply engage in topics centered on athletes, fitness, health, and wellness. This event will focus on Social Emotional Learning practices, innovative, uplifting discussions around inclusion, sportsmanship, leadership, increasing participation along with many more topics. 

Date: September 21

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Solano Community College 

Audience: Athletics Directors, Coaches, Teachers, and Administrators 

Cost: Free 

Flyer & Registration 

AI in Education Empowering Through AI - Educate, Innovate and Elevate 

Don't miss these monthly AI Ed Tech trainings and Lunch and Learn opportunities for educators!

Audience: All Educators

Ed Tech Dates/Times: - September 26, October 23, December 16, January 27, February 22, March 24, & April 27 / Times vary, refer to flyer

Lunch & Learn Dates/Times: 2nd Monday of the Month/12-1 p.m. 

Cost: Free 

Registration

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

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!

• Our just-about-monthly meetings will provide opportunities to discuss your learning and share ideas about how to apply it in your classroom

and with your students!

Dates: October 3, December 12, February 13, March 13

Time: 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Audience: Anyone enrolled in the courses

Cost: FREE

Location: Virtual

Registration

California Reading Association’s Annual Conference – Lifting Literacy 

This virtual conference will include speakers Zaretta Hammond, Joan Sedita, Kelly B. Cartwright, Regie Routman, Molly Ness, Hannah Schneewind and Jennifer Scoggin. Session topics include The Writing Rope, Building Comprehension through Read Alouds, Executive Skills and Reading Comprehension, Lifting Literacy by Merging Reading Development with the Science of Learning for Equity, Teaching Readers: Methods for Affirming, Shifting, and Expanding Reading Identity, and A Heart-centered Approach to Teaching, Learning, and Living. 

Audience: All Educators

Dates/Times: Friday, October 4, 4-8 p.m. & Saturday, October 5, 9-4 p.m. 

Cost: CRA Members: $75 for both days/Non-Members: $90 for both days and includes a one-year membership to CRA 

All sessions will be recorded and available until December 5, 2024 

Location: Virtual

Paper Registration 

Google Form Registration 

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: October 8

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Audience: General Education and Science Teachers, Coaches 

Cost: Free 

Registration 

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 / 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Registration & Flyer 

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: October 15, December 3, February 4, April 15 

Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill  

Cost: Free 

Time: 9:00-12:00 p.m. 

Registration & Flyer 

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: Thursday, October 24/3:45-4:45 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Audience: TK-12 Educators, Coaches, Administrators 

Cost: Free 

Registration & Flyer

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: October 24, December 6, February 28, April 18 

Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill 

Cost: Free 

Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Registration & Flyer 

Tobacco Use Prevention Education Trainings

Grade 6 Vaping Prevention Program Instructor Training- CATCH My Breath  

This training is for instructors who will be implementing the CATCH My Breath program with 6th grade classes. Participants will receive an overview of the program and available resources to support program implementation. CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based youth nicotine vaping prevention program that has been proven to substantially reduce students’ likelihood of vaping.

Audience: Educators; Site Coordinators; Teachers/Staff

Date/Time: September 17, 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Registration

Middle School (Grade 7-8) Substance Use Prevention Program Instructor Training- Project ALERT

This training is for instructors who will be implementing the Project ALERT program in grade 7 and/or grade 8 classrooms. Participants will receive an overview of the program and available resources to support program implementation.

Project ALERT is a classroom-based substance abuse prevention program for 7th and 8th graders that is proven to reduce the experimental and continued use of drugs. Through a series of comprehensive lessons, Project ALERT motivates students against drug use, cultivates new non-use attitudes and beliefs, and equips teens with the skills and strategies they will use to resist drugs.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided along with materials.

Audience: Educators; Site Coordinators; Teachers/Staff

Date/Time: September 18, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Contra Costa County Office of Education, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill Registration

High School Tobacco/Cannabis Prevention Program Instructor Training- You & Me, Together Vape-Free/Smart Talk 

You & Me, Together Vape-Free, is a theory-based and evidence-informed educational resource aimed at preventing students’ use of tobacco and cannabis. The engaging, 5-lesson program engages young people in activities and discussion regarding adolescent brain development, health effects, the environmental impact of tobacco, tobacco industry marketing, and stress, coping, and wellness. There is an optional 6th lesson that addresses cannabis/marijuana use. Audience: Educators; Site Coordinators; Teachers/Staff

Date/Time: September 19, 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Registration

Small Group Tobacco/Cannabis Use Intervention Program Facilitator Training-Our Healthy Futures  

Learn about the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit’s Our Healthy Futures small group intervention program. This interactive training provides the information and resources needed to facilitate an alternative-to-suspension (intervention) small group program with students who were caught with e-cigarettes/vape pens or with cannabis/marijuana products. In the program, students learn about the facts and harms of use and receive resources on how to cut back or quit.

Audience: Educators; Site Coordinators; Teachers/Staff

Date/Time: September 25, 10:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Registration

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

September 2024

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the Library invites you to participate. From borrowing books, eBooks, and museum passes to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending storytime, a library card provides access to something for everyone. It’s also the most important school supply your kids can have as they head back to school. Encourage friends and family to sign up so that they too can discover all of the unique – and free – benefits. Whether you're looking to explore a new hobby, find valuable information, or connect with fellow avid readers, a library card unlocks a world of possibilities. Sign up online at ccclib.org or visit your local branch to sign up for a full-service library card today.

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 through October 15, the Library celebrates the many achievements and milestones the Latinx and Hispanic communities have made in shaping the cultural, social, and artistic fabric of the United States. From vibrant visual arts and compelling literary works to tireless activism, let’s recognize and honor the diversity and depth of Latinx and Hispanic experiences. Starting September 15, visit the Library’s website for carefully curated booklists and other informational materials to embark on a journey of learning, connection, and exploration. The Library will also host a series of programs in celebration including arts and crafts, music, games, and Lucha Libre Storytime with a real life luchador.

Mango Languages

Start learning a new language with Mango, now available through the Library. Choose from over 70 world languages. Enjoy native speaker audio and cultural context that will fully immerse you in the language. Mango includes Little Pim for young children, American Sign Language, and English as a Second Language for non-English speakers. Visit the Digital Resources page at ccclib.org to get started.

Smitten Kittens

Thursday, September 5, 5 p.m. – Orinda Library

Come meet adoptable kittens at the Contra Costa Animal Services mobile van. The van will be parked on the street in front of Café Teatro. The library will have a craft and coloring sheets.

Winning Scholarships for College

Monday, September 9, 16, & 23, 6 p.m. – Walnut Creek Library

This is a three-part series for high school students and their parents. Session one introduces the scholarship network and application process. Session two teaches how to find scholarships that fit the individual. Session three focuses on developing unique essays.

Roadmap to Voting 2024

Thursday, September 19, 4 p.m. – via Zoom

This webinar will introduce voters to important information about how to prepare themselves for the November 5, 2024, election. Topics include voting security measures, how to keep informed about candidates and issues, and the responsibilities of elected officials. Registration is required.

Get the Lowdown on 2024 California Propositions

Thursday, September 26, 4 p.m. – via Zoom

The League of Women Voters presents Pros And Cons positions about the propositions based on research as well as information about major funding sources supporting the propositions. Registration is required.

More Info

For more information on all Contra Costa County Library programs, digital resources and events, visit ccclib.org.

California Grant Portal

The California State Library has launched a new website that streamlines all available state agency grants for education, small businesses, nonprofits, individuals, tribal governments, and more!

The Travis Credit Union Foundation’s Community Heroes $5000 Student Loan Assistance Grant closes on September 9, 2024.

In a nutshell:

• Are you going above and beyond to support local communities through your work or volunteerism?
• Do you have at least $5,000 in student loan debt?

The Community Heroes program is an opportunity for you to tell us about the positive contributions you make in your community, whatever they may be, and our chance to support your work by reducing your student loan debt burden.

Visit our website to submit an application or nomination: https://www.tcufund.org/community-heroes.html

For questions, please send an e-mail to info@tcufund.org

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.

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.

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

Space is limited so REGISTER NOW! 

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.

California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations

The CDE Opportunities for All Branch and Early Education Division released the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) on July 23, 2024. The PTKLF will provide early childhood educators, leaders, and families with the most up-to-date research on child development across nine learning domains to guide curriculum implementation, lesson planning, and individualized support for California’s 1.3 million preschool-age children before kindergarten. This revision includes a robust emphasis on inclusion, as well as culturally, racially, and linguistically affirming examples so the diversity of California’s children is authentically represented across the developmental continuum—the nation’s first early learning standards to take this approach. 

Recommended Literature List Update 

The Recommended Literature List for Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve has been updated with all new titles! The CDE has worked with the Recommended Literature List Committee to suggest hundreds of newly published titles in children’s and young adult literature. Titles selected can support educators in choosing books that are culturally relevant and sustaining, reflecting their student population as well as the population of California. The Literature List is intended to assist districts as they select literature, but the list only recommends titles. Ultimately, it is the district’s responsibility to choose literature according to the selection policies in place. Those with questions can email literaturelist@cde.ca.gov. 

Discover California Educators Today

California Educators Together (CaET) is your destination for free, high-quality online instructional materials to enhance equity and access to top-notch resources and professional learning across California. CaET provides a comprehensive space for educators to improve teacher efficacy and student achievement. Its teacher-created lessons are rigorously vetted for alignment with content standards, integrated English Language Development, and Universal Design for Learning. CaET empowers teachers at every career stage and aims to transform educational outcomes. Teachers can earn $1,500 by attending one Lesson Design Opportunity and submitting three vetted lesson plans. 

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. 

September CYBHI Quarterly Public Webinar (September 12 at 3 p.m.)

Register today for the third quarterly webinar of the year to get an update on the progress CYBHI is making in transforming how California meets the behavioral health needs of children, youth, and families. Register for the “September CYBHI Quarterly Public Webinar” via Zoom. 

High School Voter Education Weeks (September 16–27)

The CDE strongly encourages school districts and campuses to participate in the 2024 High School Voter Education Weeks from September 16 through September 27. The goal of these weeks is to bring civic awareness to young, future voters and inspire eligible students ages 16 to 17 to preregister to vote so they will automatically be registered when they turn 18. Since the California preregistration program launched in September 2016, nearly 1.2 million students have preregistered to vote, which accounts for 1,141,476 eligible voters. The California Secretary of State’s office can provide resources and support, and county election officials can serve as partners to make it easy for schools to participate in the democratic process. Read more in the August 20 letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. 

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.

·    September 19: Misinformation Awareness and Red Flags 

·    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. 

Request for Applications for the 2025-26 State Board of Education Student Board Member

The California State Board of Education (SBE) is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Student Board Member position. Any student who is a California resident and enrolled in a public high school, will be a senior in good standing in the 2025-26 school year, and will be available to participate in a statewide student leader conference November 10 – November 13, 2024, in Sacramento, is eligible to apply.

Complete applications must be received in the State Board of Education Office no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024.

Application Information

“Never a Bother” Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign Education Partners Toolkit

The “Never a Bother” youth suicide prevention campaign supports suicide prevention efforts at your school by preparing students to recognize warning signs of suicide and how they can support themselves or a friend before, during, and after a crisis. Engage caregivers as partners in suicide prevention by sharing information about the warning signs, crisis resources, and the importance of reminding youth that they are never a bother. Visit the Never a Bother Toolkit web page to download free digital resources, which include a campaign activation toolkit exclusively for education partners.

CA Parks Adventure Pass 

State Parks is offering the California State Park Adventure Pass, which provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 amazing state parks throughout the state. 

Audience: 4th graders and their families 

Date: All of 4th grade school year 

Cost: Free 

Registration

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.