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Sacramento Scene: Education Bills, Political Developments, and Tuition Changes
By Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director
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This year’s legislative session started on December 5, 2022, and concluded on September 14, 2023. California was one of only 17 democratically controlled trifectas at the start of 2023. The Democratic Party held majorities in the state Senate and state Assembly as well as having a Democratic Governor. The California Senate has 40 members, 32 of which are Democrats. The State Assembly has a total membership of 80, with 62 of those being Democrats (Ballotpedia, 2023).
The following is a list of education bills passed during the 2023 legislative session.
AB 531 – This bill exempts a workplace that partners with a local educational agency (LEA) to provide student work experience from the requirement of a valid criminal background check for all employees. For a student to conduct a work experience project, the following criteria must be met:
- One adult in the pupil’s workplace during the pupil’s work hours who is responsible for the student’s safety must have a valid criminal records summary.
- A LEA staff representative must make a site visit at least once every three weeks.
- The LEA must have a signed parent or guardian consent form on file.
- If a student works with a parent or guardian, a signed consent form must be on file.
SB 447 – With the bill's successful passage and subsequent approval by the Governor, Section 11139.8 of the Government Code is repealed. Section 11139.8 restricted the travel of state employees to numerous states perceived as discriminatory.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Executive Order for a Master Plan for Career Education
By EdSource
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In recent years, the state has poured billions of dollars into a dizzying array of programs under the banner of career education. The only problem, said Gov. Gavin Newsom, is that there is no cohesion between these programs.
“Tens of billions of dollars invested in the last few years, 12 different agencies, but not a cohesive, connective tissue, not a compelling narrative that drives a vision and drives a focus forward,” Newsom said Thursday, during a news conference at River City High in West Sacramento.
Newsom took aim at that disconnection by signing an executive order calling for the state to create a master plan for career education in the next 13 months.
The governor’s executive order promises to knock down the barriers that students in California face on their journey from the K-12 system to college and ultimately a fulfilling, well-paying career.
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CA Prop 12 Guidance Update for Ag Teachers | |
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As of January 1, 2024, all pork producers are required to have a valid Prop 12 Certificate of Compliance. The California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Care Program oversees the implementation and regulations of Proposition 12 guidelines.
If you or your students are buying market hogs to be exhibited and sold in California, you need proof from the producer that they are up-to-date on their Prop 12 certification. A complete description of the Pork Producer On-Site Inspection Guidance is available on the Animal Care Program’s website.
To help young exhibitors and their families understand the new requirements, CDFA has produced a video, “Proposition 12 Guidance for Fairs and Swine Exhibitors,” which features experts discussing California’s Proposition 12 and how it affects 4-H and FFA participants.
Agents available to perform certification can be found here. If you have questions about Prop 12, please email: animalcare@cdfa.ca.gov.
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Wilco Grants for Chapter Projects | |
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In the last decade, Wilco has been an incredible supporter of FFA, contributing over $1.4 million to FFA members in Oregon, Washington, and California. Their commitment to improving and supporting FFA programs is truly commendable, and this commitment is reflected in their chapter grant program.
This incredible initiative provides financial support to chapters with innovative and impactful projects in mind – projects that have the power to make a big impact. Your chapter could receive up to $4,000 to make your project come to life!
In the past, these grants have fueled a wide array of amazing projects, such as refurbishing chapter equipment, investing in state-of-the-art greenhouses and land labs, expanding livestock programs, organizing educational adventures, and contributing back to the community through meaningful service projects.
Ready to turn your ideas into reality? Don't wait any longer! Apply today for the Wilco Grants for Chapter Projects by visiting: Wilco Grant Application
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Calling for Nominations: 11 States Open Their Search for Top Agricultural Educators | |
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Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers. To honor their contributions and award them with additional resources, each participating state’s FFA organization, with the support of Nationwide and other partners, are now accepting nominations for the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award. The award recognizes leading agricultural teachers across 11 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
To nominate an ag teacher for the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.
Following the state’s nomination period for 2023-2024, a selection committee will determine each state’s finalists, who will receive an individualized plaque and $500 to support their agriculture programs. One grand prize winner in each state will then be selected to win the Ag Educator of the Year title for their state, the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy, and an additional $3,000 Nationwide-funded check.
Read the full article: https://news.nationwide.com/2023-24-nominations-for-golden-owl-award/
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Thank You Corporate Members!
The California Ag Teachers' Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.
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Made for Excellence and Advanced Leadership Academy Registration Opens | |
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Mark your calendars, because registration for California FFA’s Made for Excellence (MFE) and Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) conferences begins October 25. Early registration is $100 per member.
These two-day conferences are designed to engage sophomore (MFE) and junior (ALA) FFA members at their respective levels. MFE participants will spend the weekend learning about their personal values and understanding how to connect with others, while ALA participants will discover how to work with others and accomplish a shared goal.
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The 2023 NAAE Convention, in collaboration with ACTE's CareerTech VISION, is set to take place from November 29 to December 2 at the vibrant Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This year’s convention stands as an exceptional opportunity for NAAE members, offering exclusive access to not just one, but two premier events in the field of education. | |
National FFA News and Updates
Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador
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FFA Live! Convention Streaming Broadcast
Watch the National FFA Convention & Expo like never before on FFA Live! The streaming broadcast begins with the first drop of the gavel on Wednesday, November 1 and ends with the election of the 2023-24 National FFA Officers on Saturday, November 4. In between, you’ll see live broadcasts of each general session, Finals Hall presentations, historical footage, interviews, and information about the FFA member experience. Visit https://convention.ffa.org/ffa-live/.
Lyle Orwig International Travel Assistance for Agriculture Educators
Explore the world of agriculture with the FFA Advisor International Grant! This exclusive opportunity is tailor-made for FFA advisors eager to broaden their horizons on a global scale. Funds can be used to support an experience of the advisor's choice to travel internationally to experience global agriculture. The application deadline is approaching fast – make sure to submit your application by Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
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