News and Updates for August 2025
Embedded Files
As the new school year gets underway, we know how much planning, preparation, and dedication it takes to support students, staff, and families.
This month’s newsletter brings you timely updates, resources, and reminders to help you start strong and stay connected with the support available through our department’s supports at the Tehama County Department of Education.
This month’s newsletter includes several exciting updates:
New staff and expanded roles in our Curriculum and Data Services areas to better support district and site-level needs
A refreshed newsletter layout designed to streamline key updates
Updates to our department website, making it easier to access our support services, including an at-a-glance Professional Development Calendar, helpful links, and current program resources
In addition to updates in curriculum and instruction, attendance, SARB, homeless and foster services, and federal/state program support, we’re also excited to feature highlights from our Bridge to College and Career Department—a team dedicated to preparing students for life beyond high school through academic and career exploration, dual enrollment, and work-based learning.
Thank you for the work you do every day for students and families across Tehama County. We’re proud to partner with you and look forward to a strong start to the 2025–26 school year.
Thank you,
Cathy Henderson
chenderson@tehamaschools.org
Department Updates
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Our Team is Growing to Meet the Needs of Our Districts
Erin Suttter, MTSS/Data Consultant
We are excited to welcome Erin Sutter to the Continuous Improvement Team as our new MTSS & Data Consultant. Erin will be supporting our schools and districts through professional learning and coaching focused on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Her role also includes working closely with countywide and site-specific data systems, helping teams track student indicators, assessments, differentiated assistance metrics, and other data outputs critical to improving student outcomes. Erin joins us from Tehama County Department of Education, where she supported mentors and new teachers in the Induction and CTE Teacher Preparation programs. Her background in coaching and data-driven support will be a great asset to our region.
Elena Velasquez, Math/STEM Consultant
Please join us in welcoming Elena Velasquez as our new Math/STEM Consultant. Elena will lead and support professional learning opportunities, instructional support, curriculum development, and implementation strategies related to Math and STEM. She is currently working on the CAL-MSCS grant and serving as a coach for the RMC Grant, supporting high school and junior high teachers across the county, and guiding two teams through a Lesson Study cycle for the 2025–26 school year. Elena will also be instrumental in assisting with the Math Adoption process this year. She comes to us from a TK–8 school district, where she taught middle school math and led a public math lesson through the RMC Lesson Study. Her instructional leadership and deep commitment to math education will strengthen our Continuous Improvement efforts.
Jordyn Tinsley, ELA/Literacy Consultant
We’re thrilled to welcome Jordyn Tinsley as our new ELA/Literacy Consultant. Jordyn will provide professional learning and instructional support around English Language Arts, including curriculum implementation, assessments, and literacy strategies. Be on the lookout for upcoming PD sessions she's leading for both paraprofessionals and teachers, including trainings on Reader Screeners and student fluency assessments. Jordyn brings a wealth of experience from a TK–8 district, having taught various elementary grades and most recently serving as an Instructional Coach for the past two years. Her practical experience and focus on literacy development will be a strong asset for our schools and educators.
LCAP
Our team is currently finalizing the review of both the fiscal and instructional components of your LCAP submissions.
All districts will receive notification by August 15 regarding any required updates, clarifications, or additional information needed for final approval. Please note:
If your LCAP requires modifications that trigger re-adoption by your local governing board, these changes must be adopted no later than October 1 in accordance with state guidelines.
LCAP Resources can be found on the TCDE LCAP Padlet!
Safety Summit 2025
The Safety Summit is coming up this Fall! Save the Date- September 25, 2025!
CBO Mentor Programs
A great opportunity for education-based CBOs.
FCMAT has announced that the application period for the CBO Mentor Program and the Small LEA CBO Mentor Program is now open!
Both programs are year-long, with classroom instruction over 12 weekends, and each participant will be paired with an experienced mentor for one-on-one help and support. In addition, the two programs will run concurrently in Southern California, allowing all participants to expand their professional network throughout the year.
application, essay questions, nomination form, and current resumé by the following dates:
Small LEA CBO Mentor:
Participant: Friday, August 8th, 2025
Mentor: Friday, August 15, 2025
Original CBO Mentor:
Participant: Friday, August 15th, 2025
Mentor: Friday, August 15th, 2025
Visit the links above for more information on each program.
Required Website Posting
Ensure your LEA’s website provides the required information (see link for more information). Required Website Posting
Upcoming CDE Reporting
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State & Federal Updates - August 2025
State & Federal Updates - August 2025
Please see the attached overview that includes updates on Assembly Bills, CAASPP/ELPAC, and other information that may be helpful, including many links. The most recent update is available HERE.
Dashboard Coordinator Reset
The CDE will reset the Dashboard Coordinator database on August 15, 2025, and access to the Dashboard Coordinator site will be unavailable during this time. Beginning August 18, 2025, all LEAs must submit a new Dashboard Coordinator registration form—approved by the superintendent or charter school administrator—even if no changes have been made from the prior year. For questions regarding Dashboard Coordinators, please email LCFF@cde.ca.gov.
Prop. 28- Arts & Music in School Report
All districts must annually approve, submit, and publicly post a Proposition 28 Arts & Music in Schools report detailing how funds were used for arts education, including staffing, program scope, and reach. This board-approved report must be submitted to the CDE and posted on both the district and CDE websites no later than September 30.
Submitted via the Arts & Music in Schools (AMS) Portal—and posted publicly—by that same date
CARS Upcoming Deadline
A reminder that the Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) 2025–26 Spring Release is currently open and the amendment/review window closes on Thursday, August 15, 2025.
Access CARS here: https://www3.cde.ca.gov/CARS/app/logon.aspx
CARS Information Page: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/index.asp
Educator Effectiveness Fund (EEF) Annual Reporting
Districts must submit their fourth and final Educator Effectiveness Funds (EEF) Annual Report by 4:00 p.m. on September 30, 2025 via the CDE’s EEF database. This is the last year to spend EEF, with all funds required to be fully expended by June 30, 2026.
In order to address reporting requirements and to highlight other updates to the EEF, the California Department of Education and EEF Team is conducting a Technical Assistance for Annual Reporting Webinar. This webinar will provide information related to the EEF reporting requirements. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (Register Here or select the link below to register).
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sg5FFWSWQ_G8Ww94f3tF-Q
For more information, please visit the EEF home webpage at Educator Effectiveness 2021–26 - Educator Excellence (CA Department of Education)<https://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ee/eef2021.asp>. Here, you will find requirements for the local plan, data collection, reporting, and more.
ELO-P Updates
There are important updates regarding the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) as reflected in the 2025–26 Enacted State Budget. These changes significantly impact eligibility thresholds, per-pupil rates, and compliance requirements.
Rate 1 Expansion – New Eligibility Threshold
Effective July 1, 2025, LEAs with an Unduplicated Pupil Percentage (UPP) of 55% or higher will now be eligible for Rate 1 funding.
Per-pupil rate: $2,750 (statutory).
Requirement: Must offer and provide access to ELO-P for all students in grades TK–6.
Rate 2 Continues to Decline
LEAs with a UPP below 55% will continue to receive Rate 2 funding, which fluctuates based on remaining statewide allocations.
In 2025–26, the preliminary per-pupil estimate is $1,280.21 (per Advance Principal Apportionment calculations).
LEAs must offer and provide access to ELO-P for all unduplicated students in grades TK–6.
Family Fees: May still be charged (except for students who are foster youth, homeless, or eligible for free/reduced-price meals), and must follow a sliding scale based on income.
Grace Period for New Rate 1 LEAs
LEAs newly qualifying for Rate 1 in 2025–26 will be audited for compliance based on their 2024–25 Rate 2 requirements to allow time for program expansion.
Minimum Grant Increase
Beginning in 2025–26, the minimum ELO-P grant per LEA will increase to $100,000 (up from $50,000) in response to small LEA feedback.
Please keep in mind the Downgrade Rule
Once an LEA qualifies for Rate 1, it is guaranteed to maintain that rate for at least three additional years, even if UPP dips below 55% during that time.
It will only be downgraded to Rate 2 if UPP stays below 55% for four consecutive years, per Education Code § 46120(d)(4)
The state’s additional $525.5 million investment in ELO-P reflects California’s continued focus on ensuring equitable access to before-school, after-school, and summer learning for TK–6 students. It is encouraged that you begin preparing now for the July 1 implementation of these changes, especially if your LEA will transition to Rate 1 status. Detailed and additional information is available at CDE’s ELOP page - link here.
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Attendance & SARB News
Attendance & SARB News
Megan Palermo / Dani Taylor
Back to School/Orientations
The Attendance Department is available to attend any of your back-to-school events to help promote good attendance. We can give presentations to your parents and students or just provide resources. We enjoy being out on your campuses and making connections with your staff and families.
SARB
As school begins, if you have any “no-show” students that you need assistance with, please contact Megan at mpalermo@tehamaschools.org
The process for requesting home visits and submitting SARB referrals remains the same, though be expecting a few updates to the referral form.
Also, we are excited to welcome our new SARB Investigator, Nate Benton, to our attendance support team. We will be coming out to all of your sites within the next few weeks and making introductions.
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Foster & Homeless News
Foster & Homeless News
Barbara Weaver
Available Trainings
Please contact our department if you are interested in your staff receiving Homeless Education Rights training or Trauma-Informed Care training.
bweaver@tehamaschools.org
Definition and Signs of Homelessness
Definition and signs of homelessness: Schoolhouse Connection
Foster Resources: Department of Social Services Resources, Child Family Team Meeting Explained
Family Urgent Response System - FURS Hotline
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Title III & ELD News
Title III & ELD News
Liz Lurie
Title III/Multilingual Learner Network Meetings 2025-20026
Please join our Title III/Multilingual Learner Network meetings this year!
Email Liz if you are an EL advocate who would like to join at llurie@tehamaschools.org FLYER
Professional Learning Opportunity
2025-2026 Professional Learning, provided by the North State Reading Consortium (Tehama, Glenn, Shasta, and beyond) REGISTER NOW!
Immigration Rights and Available Resources
To support students and families, the California Attorney General has released a Quick Reference Guide for School Officials and an Immigration Enforcement Actions in California Schools, available in both English and Spanish. These resources offer valuable guidance on how schools can respond to potential enforcement activities while ensuring the rights of students and families are protected. Please refer to this Google Folder for resources in Spanish and English, including rights cards that can be shared with families.
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Academics/SEL/PD News
Academics/SEL/PD News
Jordyn Tinsley / Elena Velasquez / Erin Sutter
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFERINGS!
We’re excited to share that all upcoming professional development opportunities offered through the Tehama County Department of Education can now be viewed directly on our PD Calendar, available on our website. Each listing includes a brief description, flyer, and registration link for your convenience.
You can access the Professional Development Calendar here!
We hope this updated format makes it easier for you and your teams to stay informed and register for relevant trainings and events throughout the year. If you have additional PD needs, please contact Cathy Henderson at chenderson@tehamaschools.org.
Upcoming Trainings:
Site & District Assessments
Please take a minute to complete our short Site Assessment Schedule Survey to help us better align assessment schedules with your needs.
Reader Screener & CBM Fluency Assessments Training
We’re excited to offer a valuable training opportunity for staff involved in administering site-adopted reading screener or CBM fluency assessments. This session is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the purpose behind these assessments, demonstrate effective administration techniques, and provide hands-on practice to ensure confidence and fidelity. Open to classroom teachers, instructional aides, paraprofessionals, interventionists, coaches, administrators, trained volunteers, and other school support personnel, this training will empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed for successful implementation.
August 27 at TCDE from 9:00-10:00 or 3:30-4:30
👉 Register by August 22, 2025
Contact jtinsley@tehamaschools.org with any questions
Reader Screener Must Know
This short guide outlines the key requirements and timelines for implementing California’s new K–2 Reading Difficulties Risk Screener beginning in the 2025–26 school year. It includes what schools must do, recommended testing windows, parent communication requirements & sample letters, and best practices for data tracking and early intervention.
Math Adoption is Coming!
Join us for the TK–9 Math Curriculum Adoption Series. In preparation for the upcoming California Mathematics Curriculum Adoption, TCDE is offering a multi-session Math Adoption Series designed for adoption committees, teachers, instructional leaders, and site/district teams. This professional learning series will support participants through each phase of the adoption process:
Pre-Adoption Site Needs Assessment
Visioning and Local Data Analysis
Curriculum Deep Dive and Evaluation Protocols
Publisher Presentations and Materials Exploration
Participants will be guided through structured protocols aligned to the California Mathematics Framework, focusing on rigor, reasoning, equity, and multilingual learner support.
View full session descriptions, flyers, and register here:
👉 Register by September 19, 2025
Questions? Contact: evelasquez@tehamaschools.org
Building Thinking Classrooms Book Study
Join us for a yearlong book study and learning series focused on Building Thinking Classrooms in mathematics. Designed for educators at all stages of their BTC journey, this in-person series will explore key strategies, including task design, sequencing, and student engagement, to support deeper math thinking and reasoning.
In-person at TCDE, 3:30–4:30 PM
Session Dates: Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Jan. 15, Feb. 26
Book provided with registration
Optional CEU available through CSU Chico
👉 Register by August 19, 2025
Questions? Contact: evelasquez@tehamaschools.org
Professional Learning Opportunity: NGSS Assessment Toolkit – Trainer of Trainers (ToT)
September 10–11, 2025
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Breakfast & Lunch Included)
Tehama County Department of Education
1135 Lincoln Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
No cost for participants!
Join us for a two-day NGSS Assessment Toolkit: Trainer of Trainers (ToT) professional learning experience designed to deepen understanding of the toolkit and equip participants to support professional learning within their systems.
What You’ll Experience:
Toolkit Overview & Exploration Sessions – Get familiar with the modules and structure.
Deep Dive Sessions – Engage in hands-on learning to experience key components of the toolkit.
Learn how to build collective efficacy and lead meaningful change around assessment practices.
Begin planning how to use the toolkit as a resource for educator professional development.
This opportunity is ideal for district and site leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders supporting NGSS implementation.
Recommended Hotel:
Hampton Inn & Suites Red Bluff
520 Adobe Road, Red Bluff, CA 96080
NGSS Assessment Toolkit ToT Flyer.pdfMath CoP Upper Grades (3).pdfUpper Grades Math Community of Practice (CoP)
Register for the Math CoP Upper Grades (Middle and High School)
Getting Reading Right PD for Paras & Teachers- 2025-2026
Deepen your knowledge and practice around the Science of Reading with Getting Reading Right. Registration is taking place now for the 2025-26 school year, with virtual, interactive, and collaborative networking professional development for paraeducators and teachers/coaches/admin, etc.
TK–5 Educator Consortium (Grades TK–5 teachers, coaches, TOSAs, administrators)
Engage in evidence-based sessions that target foundational reading skills and instructional practices aligned to the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use strategies and vetted resources to boost Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction.K–12 Paraeducator Consortium
Designed specifically for paraeducators, this series builds capacity to support reading development using explicit and systematic approaches. Each session includes tools to immediately apply learning in support roles across K–12 settings.
Register now: Click here to enroll
Reading Comp Book Study FALL.pdfFall Reading Comprehension Book Study
Join with 3-12th grade educators across the region to learn from and discuss The Reading Comprehension Blueprint. A copy of the book and a $500 stipend for participation in all five sessions. This is a great tool to collaborate on instructional strategies focused on students’ reading comprehension.
We would love to have our Tehama County cohort meet in person for our final book discussion on November 18th. See the flyer for details!
The Reading Comprehension Blueprint provides a structured, research-based framework for developing students' reading comprehension skills through explicit instruction in key components like background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge.
Administrator and Leadership Community of Practice
This community is designed for school site leaders, district administrators, curriculum and instructional directors, instructional coaches, and other educational leaders across the county. Our focus is on collaboration, sharing best practices, and staying informed on statewide initiatives and educational priorities. The flier is available on our PD Calendar and can also be viewed at this link.
Topics may include: State and federal programs, California School Dashboard, State CAASPP testing and other assessments, Curriculum updates and frameworks, Instructional strategies, Hot topics in education, Resource sharing, Administrative collaboration, Needs and priorities from the education field.
To be added to the email distribution list & calendar invites, scan the QR Code or sign up HERE!
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Bridge to College & Career News
Bridge to College & Career News
Patrick Mair
Partnership with the Job Training Center
The Bridge Team partnered with the Job Training Center this summer to bring our mobile labs to Shasta College’s Tehama Campus! We had a wonderful group of students who got to experience hands-on work in the trades trailer. They were also the first to see our STEAM trailer in action! Students were able to practice sports medicine with spine boarding, phlebotomy with our IV trainer, and veterinary medicine through our CPR dog, and more.
This school year, we are encouraging our school sites to work with their project technicians to schedule dates for the mobile labs to come and visit their schools. We have streamlined the request process by using a Google form for schools to let us know available dates and classes to participate.
We are looking forward to getting back in the classroom and working with a new set of students, as well as bringing new activities for returning students!
B2CC- TRIO Program
Our TRIO team facilitated our annual summer college tour field trip for Corning & Red Bluff High School! A group of 40 students were able to visit UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, Cal Poly SLO, and Sacramento State. These guided tours allowed students to see available college resources and get a feel for life on campus. During their time on the coast, students also got the chance to visit the beach for some games and relaxation. It was a great experience to broaden their horizons!
Shout out to RBHS & Cal Poly Alum, Tera Norton for giving us an awesome tour. All of our tour guides were amazing this trip!
Lunch & a petting zoo at Avila Barn. Taco Truck for Dinner on the Santa Barbara beach!
Santa Barbara City College (below) was a crowd favorite & their EOP Program gave us an amazing presentation.
What’s next? We look forward to seeing our program participants at freshmen orientation and other school kick off events. We are accepting applications! Connect with your school’s B2CC-TRIO Program specialist to inquire.
Edith Campos- Gerber, Maywood, CUHS Ecampos@tehamaschools.org
Shaylee Glaziner- Vista Prep & RBHS Sglaziner@tehamaschools.org
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