I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new director of Expanded Learning. For those of you who don’t know me, I’ve been with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) since 2013 as the coordinator for the System of Support for Expanded Learning. The last 10 years have tested the resilience and resourcefulness of every educator. We’ve found ways to succeed through the pandemic and we’ve all worked hard to continue to learn and grow, mastering the intricacies of programs like the ELO-P. I’m excited to continue to support the field in my new role and I strive to empower our team to continue providing the necessary guidance, resources, and tools to support you with operating quality programs.
I appreciate all of you who work tirelessly to provide our students with the unique experiences they want and deserve.
With Gratitude,
Liza Flowers
Director, Expanded Learning
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CDE Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) Suspends Grant Reductions
The Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) will suspend grant reductions for one additional calendar year only. This applies to After School Education and Safety, 21st century Community Learning Centers Elementary and Middle School, and ASSETs grants. The EXLD has heard from grantees across the state and understands the various circumstances that made meeting attendance goals challenging, particularly in the spring of 2023.
The next round of reductions will analyze attendance data from Calendar Year 2024. That data will be used to calculate grant reductions that will take effect July 1, 2025.
The EXLD will not be accepting Attendance Relief Requests at this time. Please keep a record of all program closures and disruptions for future reference.
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ELO-P Reporting for Senate Bill 114
Senate Bill 114 provides that any local educational agency (LEA) receiving an apportionment for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) in 2023-24 must provide data for any and all third-party providers who are operating the TK and K programs at an off-site location. The California legislature will use these data findings to help inform their decision as to whether or not the ELO Program will continue to be exempt from licensing and special permit requirements.
The required survey for all ELO-P recipients was due on Jan. 26, 2024. The survey must be completed even if an LEA is not serving TK and K at an off-site location. If an LEA does not respond to the required survey, then CDE will withhold the next apportionment.
The initial email that included the passwords/pins to access the report tool were emailed to all LEA-authorized agents (superintendents and charter school directors) on Jan. 5, 2024, from the ELOPrograms@cde.ca.gov mailbox. Although the original deadline has passed, All LEAs must complete and then submit the survey using the ELO-P Reporting Tool.
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New Requirements for ELO-P and ASSETs: Effective Jan. 1, 2024 for Assembly Bill 373
Per California Education Code (EC), sections 46120(g)(7) and 42238.02(b)(1) Expanded
Learning Opportunity (ELO) programs are required to prioritize enrollment for pupils who are English language learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or foster youth.
Additionally, EC Section 46120(b)(1) (A-B) requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to
operate an ELO program on every school day and for at least 30 non-school days.
Per EC, sections 8422(d)(1) and 8422(d)(2), 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) programs may operate during after school only or after school and during any combination of before school, weekends, summer, intersession, and vacation.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Assembly Bill 373 (Gipson), chaptered into law on Oct. 7, 2023, amended EC sections 48850 and 48853.5, relating to intersession programs, requiring LEAs operating elementary and middle school ELO programs to offer (advertise) and provide (enroll) priority access to homeless and foster youth on any non school day that the program is in operation.
This law also requires ASSETs program grantees to grant priority access to homeless and foster youth on any non-school day that the program is in operation.
LEAs receiving ELO program funding and ASSETs grantees must ensure compliance with EC
sections 48850 and 48853.5 as provided above by Jan. 1, 2024.
If you have questions regarding this subject, please contact your regional educational program consultant listed at EXL Regional Contacts.
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ELO-P Office Hours — Spring 2024
The California Department of Education (CDE) will continue to partner with the California AfterSchool Network (CAN) and other members of the System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL) to host ELO-P office hours. Remain in the loop for spring 2024 office hours by checking the CAN website for more information.
For more information and support on ELO-P, please email Liza Flowers.
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Registration is Open for the Spring 2024 ELO-P Academy
April 3, 4, 16, 18: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The California AfterSchool Network, in partnership with the CDE's Expanded Learning division, is excited to offer the 2024 Spring Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Academy.
The virtual four-day academy is designed to support California educators with their Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELO-P). Participants will be able to connect, learn, strengthen, and hear promising practices from our district, school, and community partner practitioners. Each day, we will focus on one specific hot topic of ELO-P, based on the overall needs of the field.
Dates and Workshops
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Wednesday, April 3: ELO-P Nuts and Bolts, Volume III
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Thursday, April 4: Running a Single-Comprehensive Expanded Learning Program
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Tuesday, April 16: Understanding ELO-P Reporting & Compliance Monitoring
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Thursday, April 18: CBO and LEA Partnerships to Support High-Quality ELO Programs
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Revolutionizing Education with a Community School Strategy
California is revolutionizing its education system by investing $4.1 billion to transform one in every three schools into community schools. Community schools aim to provide families with essential resources and support, while fostering an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.
Community schools serve as a catalyst for transforming the educational landscape into one where children flourish. These schools foster unity by rallying communities around a common vision for their educational institutions. Advocates of the community school strategy emphasize the importance of a holistic child-centric approach that encompasses the entire educational system to meet the needs of both students and the community. This approach is characterized by a commitment to listening attentively to the perspectives of students, staff, and families to create a school atmosphere that produces positive outcomes for children. The foundation of the community school's strategy is built upon four key pillars: collaborative leadership, community engagement, integrated student support, and expanded learning opportunities.
The integration of expanded learning programs has already proven effective in serving students and enhancing their educational experiences. The impact on communities has been substantial but imagine what is possible when we adopt a community school strategy and collaboratively lead our schools and communities.
Expanded learning leaders can initiate collaboration with community school coordinators by considering the following:
- Determine if your district/charter receives community school funding
- Familiarize yourself with existing community school strategies and initiatives
- Explore ways in which expanded learning leaders can actively contribute to implementing community school strategies
This collaborative effort can enhance the overall educational experience and support systems for students within the community.
Read this article to learn more about how Governor Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond are transforming California schools.
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Community Engagement Initiative — Application Window Open for Cohort 5
The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) released the application for the next cohort of their Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis through March 15. In partnership with the University of San Diego and Eskolta School Research and Design, SDCOE is excited to be leading CEI 2.0.
Building strong relationships and engagement of educational partners is a key element of expanded learning programs, therefore we encourage you to consider applying to participate in Cohort 5 of Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). It will be a valuable opportunity for your LEA to continue to best serve your families and communities in expanded learning and beyond. The application form is brief and only requires a one-page letter of interest signed by the superintendent. Participating LEAs will receive an annual stipend to support their community engagement efforts.
The CEI initiative was established in 2019 as part of the California Statewide System of Support (SSOS) with the goal of building the capacity of communities and school districts to authentically engage with each other for the purpose of improving outcomes for all students, particularly English learners, low-income students, foster youth, and students from other underserved groups. CEI 2.0 provides an opportunity for LEAs to revolutionize their community engagement practices by participating in peer leading and learning networks.
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ELO-P Network
The ELO-P Network is a monthly session for district/charter leadership to deepen their understanding of expanded learning programming and Education Code, share resources and promising practices, and engage in communal learning. The ELO-P Network is facilitated by the System of Support for Expanded Learning at SDCOE.
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Dates: Monthly (second Wednesday), 8:30 to 10 a.m.
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Audience: District/charter leadership designing/leading expanded learning programs
- Register here to join the network
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Expanded Learning Staff Connection
This space is dedicated for expanded learning program staff to share dialogue on current events, share promising practices,and network with others in similar roles. These connection meetings will be held quarterly. Register once and attend one or more sessions.
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Virtual Site Leadership Training Series
Join your peers in this virtual Site Leadership Training series. Site leaders provide oversight and management of ongoing day-to-day activities, supervise and coach the staff at the site level, and act as a change-agent leader to ensure the program is successfully involved in a continuous quality improvement process.
The following sessions are designed to support site leadership development. Register for each of the sessions you are interested in attending. The sessions are intended to build from one to the next so participants would benefit the most by attending each of the sessions.
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Date: March 1
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Training: Being An Effective Coach
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Audience: Site leaders and assistant site leaders
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Date: April 12
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Training: Being An Effective Change Agent
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Audience: Site leaders and assistant site leaders
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STEAM Hub Meetups
Join the San Diego STEAM Hub In-Person Meetup and find inspiration to lead innovating and authentic STEAM learning that ignites students’ imagination and passion to decode challenges and thrive.
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Fostering Leadership and Independence |
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The System of Support for Expanded Learning highlighted EJE Academy during the January ELO-P Network meeting and showcased the impactful work of Laura Gallegos and EJE Academy’s expanded learning program. EJE Academy provides their older students with opportunities to embrace leadership roles as mentors for their youngest participants. This initiative not only strengthens the confidence and independence of the older students but also creates valuable opportunities for students to cultivate and build their leadership skills, contributing to a well-rounded and empowered student community. |
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The expanded learning staff at EJE Academy encourage transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students to effectively navigate scanning in and out of the program. Empowering their youngest students to scan themselves in and out enhances the program’s efficiency while fostering essential skills of independence. The commitment to this innovative approach contributes to the efficiency and smooth operation of the program.
Additionally, the program has implemented specific scheduling tailored for older and younger students, ensuring age-appropriate activities. Furthermore, the program staff equip the students with colored pinnies to distinguish the different grade groups, which promotes a structured and supportive learning environment.
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Congratulations to Laura Gallegos and the staff from EJE Academy for their exceptional dedication in providing safe and supportive programs to students in their community. Their hard work reflects a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, making a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. Well done! |
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What is your district or school site doing that pushes learning and engagement beyond our traditional norms? We would love to learn from you. Please email Jackie Linenberger to share unique ideas or more stories from the field. |
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If you have any questions or comments regarding Expanding Possibilities, please contact Jackie Linenberger.
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county. |
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