News and Updates - December 2025
Embedded Files
Welcome to December!
Welcome to December!
As we close out 2025, our Continuous Improvement and Bridge Newsletter highlights the great work happening across Tehama County schools and within our department. This month, we’re introducing a new EdTech Spotlight section to support teachers and leaders in integrating technology that enhances instruction and student learning. With the new year on the horizon, a friendly reminder that several key reports are approaching: the LCAP Mid-Year Update (everyone’s favorite), Safety Plan, and other annual requirements are just around the corner.
As we close out 2025, our Continuous Improvement and Bridge Newsletter highlights the great work happening across Tehama County schools and within our department. This month, we’re introducing a new EdTech Spotlight section to support teachers and leaders in integrating technology that enhances instruction and student learning. With the new year on the horizon, a friendly reminder that several key reports are approaching: the LCAP Mid-Year Update (everyone’s favorite), Safety Plan, and other annual requirements are just around the corner.
We are grateful for the collaboration, innovation, and commitment you bring to our county each day. Wishing you a joyful holiday season, meaningful time with loved ones, and a restorative start to the new year!
We are grateful for the collaboration, innovation, and commitment you bring to our county each day. Wishing you a joyful holiday season, meaningful time with loved ones, and a restorative start to the new year!
Department Updates
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
The Professional Development Calendar is available on our website HERE. You can even download the calendar as an optional view with your Google Calendar.
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NEWS/HOT TOPICS
Congratulations to Tehama County Schools on the State Seal of Biliteracy Recognition (See ELD/Title III Section below)
Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant
LEA apportionments were sent out in October 2025. LEAs have 5 years to expend these funds and a few highlights are noted below:
The final allocations were calculated on a per unit basis based on each entity’s ADA as reported at the 2024–25 Second Principal Apportionment multiplied by the per ADA rate of approximately $313.08. SACS Resource Code: 6019 Funds are available for expenditure through June 30, 2029
Apportionment Schedule 1st Apportionment (75 percent of allocation) October 2025 2nd Apportionment (25 percent of allocation) February 2026
Annual Expenditure reports by September 30 each fiscal year
Expenditure plans will not be required to be approved/adopted but check your local School Board policy if there a requirement locally)
SSPDBG Webpage: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/pl/sspdgrant.asp
SSPDBG Funding Webpage: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/ca/sspdbg.asp
2025 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Grant
As of December 2025, the 2025 KIT Grant & Retention & Recruitment (R&R) Grant RFA is available, with an application due date of January 30, 2026. This is an excellent funding opportunity for kitchen facility updates and other kitchen-related costs.
Allowable Uses
Upgrade kitchen infrastructure and food-service equipment (ovens, refrigeration, prep stations, storage, etc.).
Support staff training to improve meal preparation and service quality.
Purchase California-grown or minimally processed foods to expand fresh meal options.
See the KIT Website for more information.
A Link to sample December Board Agenda items list is available HERE.
Math Adoption Session #3 is coming up in January focused around Curriculum Deep Dive (Analysis of Materials). The dates are: January 13, 2026 for Grades TK–5 and January 22, 2026 for Grades 6–9 and will be held at Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE) Offices
Options to attend from 8:30–11:30 AM or 12:30–3:30 PM
Train teams on evaluation rubrics.
Collaborative review sessions with sample unit analysis.
Use structured protocols aligned to CMF: reasoning, rigor, equity, multilingual support.
Pre-screening Curriculum Invitation for District and site leaders. These sessions provide hands-on access to multiple publisher resources, allowing leadership teams to narrow options, align materials to district priorities, and arrive at January’s deep-dive with a focused shortlist for their teams. Flyer
CAASPP Foundations Series is coming!
We’re excited to offer a CAASPP Foundations series designed for teachers and administrators in grades 2–11 who want a clear, introductory understanding of CAASPP and its essential components. This virtual training provides foundational knowledge, assessment overviews, accessibility tools, and content-area sessions to help strengthen assessment literacy and support high-quality instruction. Flyer is provided here!
LCAP INFORMATION
LCAP, LCAP, and more LCAP!
Mid-Year LCAP Report: The Mid-Year LCAP report need to be presented to LEA School Board’s by February 28th. The LREBG funding and expenditures is one area that is an additional requirement from past Mid-Year LCAP reporting.
*If you did not include a LREBG Needs Assessment in your 2025 LCAP, the recommendation is not to use LREBG funds during the 2025-26 school year to avoid a full mid-year LCAP revision.
There is no state template provided and no specific template required
DTS does have a template but it is not required
Regardless of the report layout, ensure that the report includes mid-year updates on:
Available outcomes for metrics/data
Implementation of actions
Expenditures to date
If the LEA plans to use the 2025-26 LREBG allocations, ensure
Click here to access LREBG Flowchart to support an update on the use of LREBG funds for LEAs
Click here for 2025-26 LREBG Funding Results
LCAP Annual Update Season (2026) is quickly approaching… everyone’s favorite time of year! Workshop dates, Virtual informational sessions, and in-person meetings will be scheduled and available beginning in January 2026.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
To support districts in navigating legislative updates, we’ve compiled Changes in Law 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to New Laws Affecting School Operations. Using NotebookLM, our team created a clear, user-friendly briefing document that summarizes key new laws and their implications for school and district practice, along with a companion video that walks through the major changes.
SAFETY PLAN 2025-26 UPDATES
A reminder that each LEA must have their Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) approved by March 1, 2026. Additionally, there are new Requirements in place. Below as an overview of recent legislation requires the CSSP to be amended to address the following:
Adaptations for Students with Disabilities in the Disaster Procedures section (more
Cardiac Emergency Response (more information)
Opioid Prevention and Life-Saving Response Procedures (more information)
Response Procedures for Dangerous, Violent, or Unlawful Activity (more information)
Instructional Continuity Plan (more information)
SAFE Act Notification Procedures Plan (more information)
Procedures Regarding Pupil Smartphone Use During Emergencies (more information)
DTS has also developed an updated CSSP template that provides direct access to guidance for each component and section. DTS is happy to activate the new template for review at any time.
This article from the CBSA website is also a great resource for understanding the new requirements.
CAASPP & Assessment Update & Information
Dashboard Toolkit
There is tons of informational materials to help explain the data reported on the California School Dashboard. Great resources, including materials for parents, teachers, etc. Find the toolkit material at the Dashboard Tooklit Website.
2024-25 CALIFORNIA SPANISH ASSESSMENT
2024-25 CALIFORNIA SPANISH ASSESSMENT
Analysis and scoring processes for the 2024–25 California Spanish Assessments are complete.
Results will be available starting on the following dates:
December 4, 2025
Student Score Data Files in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS)
December 5, 2025
Student Score Reports (SSRs) in TOMS and in the LEA student information system vendor parent or student portal
Spring 2026
Results in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS)
Electronic SSRs
Electronic SSRs
Users can access and download PDF SSRs from TOMS individually or in bulk (as one large file). The following resources contain instructions:
Users can access and download PDF SSRs from TOMS individually or in bulk (as one large file). The following resources contain instructions:
For more information on distributing SSRs, refer to the Distributing SSRs chapter of the Scoring and Reporting Guide.
For more information on distributing SSRs, refer to the Distributing SSRs chapter of the Scoring and Reporting Guide.
CAASPP Foundations
Informational Series
Join our team for a CAASPP Foundations Series. This virtual training provides foundational knowledge, assessment overviews, accessibility tools, and content-area sessions to help strengthen assessment literacy and support high-quality instruction, scope and sequence/Curriculum mapping, interim assessments, and more.
Sign up on the linked flyer and attend all or specific topics.
CAASPP Foundations Flyer (4).pdf.
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IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Educator Effectiveness Funds Revision: EEF Revision Period will open in December. If your LEA wants to make revisions, email the EEF Team at EEF202@cde.ca.gov with LEA Name, CDS Code, EEF Years you wish to revise, A brief description of revisions
December 2025: LEAs will be identified for federal accountability (CSI, ATSI, TSI); no specific date in December has been released
SARC Published and Posted by February 1, 2026
Comprehensive School Safety Plan approved and adopted by governing board by February 28, 2026 (with new required elements)
June 30, 2026 - Proposition 28 funds allocated for the 2022-23 school year must be expended, or funds will be forfeited
LCAP Federal Addendum: Ensure that necessary updates are made to the LCAP Federal Addendum to reflect the current year’s ESSA programs. Any revisions or updates to the LCAP Federal Addendum must be adopted by the local governing board.
For LEAs approved for liquidation extensions for ESSER III funds, ensure 2025 Winter quarterly expenditure reports are completed. Reporting window opens December 15, 2025, and closes on January 14, 2026. This reporting period is only applicable to LEAs approved for liquidation extensions for ESSER III funds. For LEAs without liquidation extensions of ESSER III funds, 2025 Spring was the final quarterly reporting period, and the Year 6 Annual Report (anticipated in early 2026) will be the final annual reporting period. Refer to Federal Stimulus Quarterly Reporting Help page and the Federal Stimulus Reporting web page.
Visit the Federal and State Program Overview
Keep in mind, this calendar does not contain an exhaustive list of requirements and programs. Updates will be made on an ongoing basis. Link to calendar with information, deadlines, overviews, etc.
Con App
The ConApp 2025-26 Winter submission window opened up on December 1st and the certification deadline is January 15, 2026. CARS Resources and Tips can be found at CDE’s website link.
School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
DTS provides an electronic SARC template. and the template is available now
The 2024–25 SARC is due no later than February 1, 2026.
Portrait of a Graduate: Input Request
The State Board of Education (SBE) is working on the development of a Portrait of a Graduate/Learner. The SBE will use this portrait to inform and guide the SBE’s own decision-making and policy about curriculum, assessment, and accountability. This will not yield a mandate for LEAs! As part of the process, the SBE requests input from LEAs and educational partners linked here. The background information can be found here.
State Superintendent Shares Top 4 Priorities
The California Department of Education (CDE) has released a new update detailing key 2026 education proposals — including expansion of universal kindergarten, strengthened literacy supports, and growth of their California Community Schools Initiative to further close achievement gaps. The article is linked.
Engaging Education Partners - LCAP & Needs Assessments
Verify that the required LCAP parent advisory committee (PAC) and, if required, the
English learner parent advisory committee (EL PAC) and DELAC, if necessary, are in place and properly constituted to provide input into the development of the 2026-27 LCAP.
If the school district serves middle or high school students, ensure that the school district has
established a Student Advisory Committee or has established two pupil positions on
the Parent Advisory Committee to provide input in the development of the LCAP.
It's not too soon to begin planning and scheduling these partnership meetings.
Ensure your LEA’s website provides the required information (see link for more information). Required Website Posting
Megan Palermo / Dani Taylor
ATTENDANCE SUPPORT
Our last North County SARB hearing of 2025 will be on December 18th; referrals are due on December 4th.
SARB Resources
Below are a few links for SARB resources. Should you have any questions, however, don't hesitate to reach out.
Barbara Weaver
RESOURCES
Resources for homeless education information and the McKinney-Vento definition can be found at the following links:
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/hs/homelessdef.asp
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/hs/cy/index.asp
Resources for Foster Youth education rights can be found in the following links:
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/fy/fyedrights.asp
https://www.cfyetf.org/_files/ugd/e7e2f5_4a5e194dfaa14bca8645b44e28189a70.pdf
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Liz Lurie
INCLUDING IMMIGRANT FAMILIES WEBPAGE
In response to requests for information and support from local educational agencies (LEAs), the California Department of Education (CDE) is sharing information and resources to preserve access to education for students from immigrant families during times of increased fear of immigration enforcement.
Our Schools: Resources for Including Immigrant Families
This toolkit provides family-facing posters that communicate assurance of all schools’ obligation to provide every child with access to education and a safe learning environment, regardless of immigration status, as well as guidance for best practices when immigration agents are present on school sites. All California schools are encouraged to make these resources visible and accessible to families.
ELPAC Mandatory LEA Certification Requirements
The Summative ELPAC Moodle Training Site opened on Oct. 20. ELPAC regulations require annual training for all LEAs, even those that do not have students who are English learners. LEA ELPAC Coordinators (only one person from each LEA) must complete the appropriate Summative ELPAC LEA certification course (K-12 or 6-12) by Monday, December 8, 2025. LEAs that do not complete the certification by this deadline may be subject to an ETS Tier 2 audit.
The Summative Alternate ELPAC LEA Certification Course opened on Nov. 3. ELPAC regulations require annual training for LEAs with students who are eligible for the Summative Alternate ELPAC. LEAS must complete the course within two weeks of registering an eligible student.
ML Nuts and Bolts Flyer.pdfEL PD SERIES
Join us for the last two sessions of TK-12 Multilingual Learners Nuts and Bolts!
Keys to Content Writing - Paid Professional Learning Series
Writing PD for ELD Teachers, self contained 3-8th grade OR ELA/ELD/HSS teachers 6-12, and coaches/admin
Keys to Content Writing is professional learning for research-based best practices for writing instruction that can be integrated in any subject and aligned to state literacy standards. Participants learn practical strategies for teaching writing skills, how to use writing to support content learning, and how to provide scaffolds to students who need support. Participants will be required to complete the Keys to Writing 12 hour online course (with support manual) and attend facilitated synchronous online sessions at all of the dates below to be eligible for their $600 stipend.
Keys to Writing PD Flyer.pdfCongratulations, Tehama County Schools, on the
State Seal of Biliteracy Recognition
Jordyn Tinsley / Elena Velasquez
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFERINGS!
You can access the Professional Development Calendar here!
Join our team for a CAASPP Foundations Series. This virtual training provides foundational knowledge, assessment overviews, accessibility tools, and content-area sessions to help strengthen assessment literacy and support high-quality instruction, scope and sequence/Curriculum mapping, interim assessments, and more.
Sign up via the linked flyer and attend all or specific topics.
CAASPP Foundations Flyer (4).pdfMLMC - 2026 - Flyer - FINAL (1).pdfWe are excited to invite you to the Mt. Lassen Math Conference on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Parsons Junior High School (750 Hartnell Ave, Redding).
This year’s conference features an inspiring keynote address from Dr. Ivan Cheng of California State University, Northridge. Dr. Cheng is passionate about collaboration and deeply committed to helping ALL students succeed. His message is sure to energize and empower educators at every level.
Why Attend?
Engage in powerful, practice-ready math professional learning
Connect with fellow educators from across the region
Gain strategies to elevate instruction and support student success
Learn from expert presenters, including our nationally respected keynote speaker
Registration
General Admission: $75
Pre-Service Teachers & Retired Educators: $40
We encourage you to secure your spot early and be part of a day dedicated to strengthening math education, building community, and supporting every learner.
Register now and join us for an inspiring day of learning!
Registration Link
We look forward to seeing you on March 7th!
The Hour of Code is now the HOUR OF AI! Click to see a site full of ready-to-use activities with students of all ages!
Join us for a full day dedicated to exploring high-quality math curriculum options for TK–12.
Meet directly with publishers, preview instructional materials, and discover the best
resources to support mathematics learning in your district or school.
Math Curriculum Publisher Fair (2).pdfLeadership Pre-Screen Curriculum Flyer.pdfGET A HEAD START ON YOUR TOP CURRICULUM CHOICES
Why Visit Now?
Explore materials from multiple publishers to get a sense of program structure, instructional design, and assessment approaches.
Identify which materials best align with your district’s vision, student needs, and instructional priorities.
Arrive at the January deep-dive sessions with a curated shortlist, allowing your committee to engage in more meaningful comparison and evaluation.
Drop-In Hours:
December 15, 2025 12 - 3 PM
December 17, 2025 9-12 PM
Location: Tehama County Department of Education — Consultant’s Office, Curriculum Room
Contact Elena Velasquez with any questions, evelasquez@tehamaschools.org
TOOLS FOR MATH SUCCESS SERIES
The California Department of Education (CDE) is excited to announce a four-part professional development webinar series designed to support educators in strengthening instructional practices and improving student outcomes in mathematics. This series will highlight professional development programs with proven success in California schools.
Each session will spotlight the program’s evidence-based approaches to professional learning, demonstrated successes in students’ standardized test scores, and testimonials from local educational agencies (LEAs) that used the program. While the CDE does not endorse any program over another, these programs represent the range of professional learning opportunities available to LEAs.
Instructional leaders are encouraged to attend. Registration is free and open to all.
To register, scan the corresponding QR code on the attached flyer.
Jan-Feb Tools for Math Success Flyer.pdfMath Counts 25-26.pdfJOIN MATHCOUNTS
A Math Enrichment & Competition Opportunity for Grades 6-8 students to represent Tehama County!
See Flyer for Details.
TCDE Spelling Bee.pdfCounty Wide Spelling Bee
Register a Spot for Your School's Winners!
TCDE will be hosting a County Wide Spelling Bee on March 18th at Red Bluff High School for Spelling Bee winning contestants from each school site in the county.
There will be two divisions: Elementary (4th-6th grades) and Junior High (7th-9th grades). Promotional materials and practice materials will be sent to school sites by the end of December. In the meantime, think about a staff member willing to lead the Spelling Bee efforts for students at your site.
Please fill out this form if your site is interested in participating.
Those who advance in each division at the county level will have the opportunity to go to the State Spelling Bee at Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca on April 25, 2026.
For further questions, email jtinsley@tehamaschools.org
READING PALS
We are excited to announce the launch of a partnership between Tehama County schools and Reading Pals. Reading Pals developed a simple system anyone can use to make a tremendous difference in the life of a child. Volunteers follow a simple curriculum and invest just 1 hour a week with two students.
No special skills are needed! From their investment, we see 90% of Reading Pals quadruple their reading levels! More than that, we see them gain confidence in themselves and their abilities and maintain their gains through middle school and beyond. Reading with a child doesn’t just teach them to read; it changes the trajectory of their life.
If you are a school site interested in learning more about Reading Pals.
Please fill out: Tehama Schools Reading Pals Interest Form. If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up here: Reading Pals Volunteer Interest Form.
Keys to Content Writing Paid Professional Learning Series
Keys to Content Writing is professional learning for research-based best practices for writing instruction that can be integrated in any subject and aligned to state literacy standards. Participants learn practical strategies for teaching writing skills, how to use writing to support content learning, and how to provide scaffolds to students who need support. Participants will be required to complete the Keys to Writing 12 hour online course (with support manual) and attend facilitated synchronous online sessions at all of the dates below to be eligible for their $600 stipend.
Keys to Writing PD Flyer.pdfRegion 2 Arts Teacher Network.pdfVisual and Performing Arts Networking Series
Calling all Visual and Performing Arts Teachers!
Join teachers from the greater region to discuss best practices and success stories, share student work and arts pedagogy, and highlight exemplary programs, among other topics. This is a four-session networking series.
Register here.
HMONG HISTORY & CULTURAL STUDIES MODEL CURRICULUM- PAID PD OPPORTUNITY
The Orange County Department of Education is proud to introduce the Hmong History and Cultural Studies
Model Curriculum (HHCSMC) at the Chico Conference on February 27-28, 2026. The HHCSMC will assist
educators in teaching about the diaspora, histories, cultures, and traditions of Hmong people as part of
Education Finance Bill AB 167. Stipends are available for teachers in Tehama County districts.
HHCSMC Chico Flyer (10.6.25).pdfCIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN TEHAMA COUNTY
TCDE, in partnership with the county high school districts, has applied for the new federal grant for civic education, California Serves, to expand access for high school graduates to obtain the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
The goal is “Foundations of Freedom: Strengthening Civic Learning in Schools”.
If there are educators from any content area that could benefit from participating in professional learning, more information will be coming for a developing cohort starting in Spring 2026.
Contact Jordyn Tinsley, jtinsley@tehamaschools.org
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Explore easy, useful EdTech tips that support Tehama County educators and leaders. Each update brings a quick tech win to help streamline your work and enhance learning.
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TRIO Program
With the semester coming to a close in 3 short weeks, students at RBHS & CUHS should be turning in assignments and prepping for final exams. Efforts will be made to support students with missing assignments and emphasize study habits to all B2CC-TRIO participants.
Our staff will be advertising College Financial Aid Support- Drop-In Hours to all seniors. Students receive these announcements in the RBHS Daily Slide Show or the CUHS Daily Cardinal, which is sent to their student email. The priority deadline for CA state aid programs is March 2nd, 2026. Students still have plenty of time to submit their FAFSA & CADAA applications. If you have questions about college financial aid, please reach out to your high school counselor or B2CC-TRIO Program Advisor.
At our middle schools, we’ll be delivering holiday cards and candy canes to all of our B2CC-TRIO Program students to continue nurturing connectedness and program participation. We have seen a direct correlation with the students who have formed stronger connections with our program community during middle school, which leads to greater confidence going into high school and stronger academic performance their first year.
Having a support system that https://ccee-ca.org/direct-technical-assistance/you from middle school to high school is a great opportunity!
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