In this difficult time, LACOE remains committed to improving the lives of students and our educational community through service, leadership and advocacy. Here, we share best practices, tips and success stories from the county’s 80 districts as we innovate and adapt together to ensure continuity of learning and safety of students, staff and families.
|
|
Follow us on social media for more frequent updates:
|
|
|
Celebrating Black History Month
|
|
As February is Black History Month, many educators are likely wondering how they should teach their students about this celebrated month in the context of recent events and the movement to root out racial inequity. This month honors the achievements of African Americans and recognizes the many ways in which they have contributed to American culture and led the way in advocating for civil rights, inclusion and racial equality.
LACOE’s Reading/Language Arts expert Leslie Zoroya has created a new module for teaching Black History Month in a meaningful and culturally respectful way. Registration is now open for this module, Black History Month and Beyond: Creating an Inclusive, Culturally Responsive RLA Classroom. Dr. Kathryn Edwards, Director of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at LACOE, has compiled resources to help teachers widen their exploration of Black lives while also providing historical context so students can connect lessons to current issues.
|
|
A moment of silence: Remembrance and gratitude
|
|
One year ago last week the LA County Department of Public Health reported the first confirmed local case of the novel coronavirus. On Jan. 26, LACOE Supt. Debra Duardo shared a video message with all stakeholders calling on communities to observe a moment of silence in memory of those who have lost their lives. She shared this padlet, where community members have written notes of appreciation and inspirational quotes to help our communities to continue to rise to the challenge of COVID-19.
|
|
Fred Korematsu Day
Advancing racial equity and human rights for all
|
|
Saturday, Jan. 30, was Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, a time to recognize the importance of preserving and protecting our civil rights and liberties. This day celebrates the life and legacy of Korematsu, a courageous American who defied unjust internment policies during World War II. The LA County Board of Education passed a resolution encouraging districts and schools to include history curriculum about Korematsu's legacy and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.
"Don't be afraid to speak up," said Karen Korematsu, who talked about her father at an event hosted by LACOE History-Social Science Coordinator Dr. Michelle Herczog. The Fred Korematsu Institute offers resources to equip students to become civically engaged to advance racial equity, social justice and human rights for all.
|
|
Public Health has expanded vaccinations to include Los Angeles County residents 65 years and older. Know where you are in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. You may check the phases and estimated time frames by visiting VaccinateLACounty.com
The newly launched My Turn website will allow Californians to quickly check their eligibility according to their occupation, age and county, and also acts as a scheduler so they will be notified via email and text alert to book their appointments once they are eligible for a vaccine. Los Angeles and San Diego are the initial pilot counties that are able to access the scheduling section of the website for now.
Access more vaccination resources and help spread the word:
|
|
School Counseling Week
New award pays tribute to school counselors
|
|
This week, Feb. 1-5, is School Counseling Week -- a reminder of the critical role school counselors play in helping students cope with the challenges of COVID-19. Their work in supporting students’ emotional and academic well-being has never been more urgent given the impact of distance learning and social isolation caused by the pandemic.
To pay tribute to school counselors, LACOE has honored two outstanding individuals with its first School Counselor of the Year award: Keisha Burns, Shadow Hills Engineering and Design Magnet Academy, Palmdale School District, and Karen Preacely Hicks, Lawndale High School, Centinela Valley Union High School District.
|
|
Devices, hotspots delivered to districts in need
|
|
LACOE’s initiative to help close the digital divide has concluded for the current school year with the distribution of just over 48,000 devices and more than 32,000 hotspots to students in need in 55 districts.
Acting on a proposal from LACOE, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in October 2020 allocated $12.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds for technology and internet connectivity needed by students to successfully participate in distance learning. The Board of Supervisors later allocated additional funding for the effort, making available a total of $17.2 million. The funding not only enabled the purchase of devices and hotspots, but also supports internet service plans for families through Dec. 30, 2021.
|
|
Equity-focused professional development
|
|
Nurturing Positive School Culture and Climate to Facilitate Anti-Bias and Social Justice Education
(4 Day Event) 02/15/2021 - 03/03/2021
Event Dates: 02/15/2021 I 02/17/2021 I 02/24/2021 I 03/03/2021
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
In this virtual institute, participants will focus on cultivating a school climate that supports the goals of anti-bias and social justice education. Live workshops will be led by Sarah Wicht from Teaching Tolerance. Guest speaker Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, will talk with participants about how to grapple with difficult history and perspectives on achieving racial justice in schools today. Asynchronous content includes on-demand museum virtual tours, videos and readings.
|
|
Fingertip Facts & Stats: LACOE by the Numbers
|
|
Visit our animated LACOE by the Numbers to access more fingertip statistics on public education in Los Angeles County.
|
|
Self-paced education series
Addressing learning loss
|
|
You are invited to join leading California educators to learn strategies, tools and tips to accelerate learning, equity and well-being for students.
|
|
In a contributed article, LACOE's school counseling and school-based mental health experts Jewel Forbes and Marina Scates present facts to dispel myths that allow human trafficking to persist.
|
|
LA Times columnist Steve Lopez writes about his COVID-19 vaccination experience at LACOE's Education Center West facility in Downey, one of LA County's five large vaccination sites.
|
|
Student Scholarship Award Program
|
|
LACOE's African American Heritage Committee will present a virtual Student Scholarship Program celebrating Black History Month on Friday, Feb 5, 2021, 11:30 am. You are invited to join this event featuring inspirational speakers and performances by students from the LA County High School for the Arts.
Password: 602117
|
|
Resources for Families & Schools
|
|
Don’t forget, LACOE is regularly updating several pages of resources:
|
|
Share photos, tips or experiences from your school or school district: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|