News and Updates - January 2026
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Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
As we jump into 2026 and begin the second half of the school year and we hope you were able to enjoy a restful and refreshing break. January often brings a renewed sense of focus and momentum as we look ahead to the months to come and continue supporting students toward meaningful outcomes.
This month’s newsletter is intentionally lighter, offering timely reminders and general information to help you stay oriented and supported as the semester gets underway. As always, the Department of Continuous Improvement and Bridge to College and Career team is here to partner with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out as needs, questions, or opportunities arise.
Cathy Henderson
Cathy Henderson
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NEWS/HOT TOPICS
Our Continuous Improvement focus and commitment remains with the needs of each the districts and school sites in Tehama County. Please continue to check our PD Calendar and also provided in a short list with registration/flier links at the end of our Monthly Newsletter.
A few opportunities to highlight include:
Upcoming CAASPP Workshop Sessions - more information provided on the flyer found in the PD Section below. Our first session is this next week, January 14th.
Math Adoption Previews are in the final stretch with the Curriculum Deep Dive to analyze the materials on January 13th (TK-5) and January 22 (6-9) as well as the Publisher Fair on February 11th (make sure to register if you plan to attend).
Administrator/Leadership Community of Practice (CoP): Monday, February 9th where we will discuss MTSS & PLCs, CAASPP, and Assessments.
Just a reminder that the upcoming Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Grant is due January 30, 2026. Funds may be used for kitchen and cafeteria costs. Grant Web Link
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL GIVING BACK TO RANCHO FAMILIES
Following the Children’s Christmas Festival, leftover toys were thoughtfully shared. Local CHP officer Eric Taylor and our Student Resources Coordinator, Dani Taylor, coordinated with Rancho Elementary School Principal, Josh Niehues, to bring the toys out to the Rancho Tehama community. Together, they delivered toys directly to more than 50 Rancho students and families. The community was incredibly appreciative, kind, and thankful for the generosity and consideration shown to their children this holiday season. What great partnership and generosity!
LCAP, LCAP, AND MORE LCAP!
The Mid-Year LCAP report needs to be presented to LEA School Board’s by February 28th. There is no specific statutory requirement for what must be presented to the board, and while a Mid-Year template is available in DTS, LEAs are not required to complete or submit the DTS Mid-Year. At a minimum, the mid-year update should include: (1) available outcomes for metrics/data, (2) implementation status of actions, and (3) expenditures to date.
Presentation templates are available below - a very general version and a more detailed, depending on the needs of your board.
Please note that if an LEA did not include a Needs Assessment for Local Educational Agency Block Grant (LREBG) funds in its 2025–26 LCAP, the LEA should not be expending any LREBG funds in the 2025-26 school year.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & COLLABORATION
Over the past few months, our Student Resources Coordinator and Attendance Support team have been collaborating closely with Red Bluff Elementary School District, alongside School and Parent Outreach Counselor, Robin Thorne. Together, they have worked directly with families at the Red Bluff Apartments, recently meeting with all but one family to provide information, resources, and supports. This work has focused on building trust, strengthening connections, and ensuring students and families feel supported and engaged with their school community.
COLLEGE/CAREER INDICATOR (CCI) 2025 DASHBOARD RELEASE
The California Department of Education has released the 2025 College/Career Indicator (CCI) student-level data file in the Student Online Accountability Record Status (SOARS) system. This file provides student-level detail showing which students met specific CCI measures included in the 2025 CCI Additional Report.
The student-level CCI data will be available for download in SOARS through the close of business on January 30, 2026, after which it will be removed from the system. General information about accessing and using SOARS can be found on the SOARS System Frequently Asked Questions web page.
For questions related to this release, LEAs may contact the CDE Analysis, Measurement, and Accountability Reporting Division at Dashboard@cde.ca.gov.
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)
This article from the CBSA website is also a great resource for understanding the new requirements.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
To support districts in navigating legislative updates, we’ve compiled Changes in Law 2026: 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.
CHARACTER STRONG MTSS WEBINAR & SUMMIT
Join Character Strong for two free, virtual summits in early 2026, designed for busy educators who want practical strategies they can use right away.
Free to attend, fully pre-recorded, and available to watch on your own schedule for one week.
MTSS Summit
Webinar: Jan. 27 | On-Demand Sessions: Jan. 28
Focus: Using data to strengthen MTSS systems and decision-making
Register for the MTSS Summit
School Counseling Summit
Webinar: Feb. 3 | On-Demand Sessions: Feb. 4
Focus: Helping students build future-ready skills for college, career, and life
Register for the School Counseling Summit
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IMPORTANT DEADLINES & INFORMATION
SARC Published and Posted by February 1, 2026
Mid-Year LCAP presented to LEA Board by February 28, 2026 (Presentation Template)
Comprehensive School Safety Plan approved and adopted by governing board by March 1, 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
Information for Deadlines & Program Information: Please see the information and links below to find further details on State & Federal programs.
See the linked 2025-26 State & Federal Timelines/Calendar for funding due dates and State & Federal information to help LEA Business Teams and District/Site Leadership Teams
GOLDEN STATE SEAL MERIT DILOMA INFO
The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD), established in 1996, provides recognition to public school graduates who have demonstrated mastery of the high school curriculum in various subject areas. The GSSMD is awarded jointly by the California State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. GSSMD eligibility requirements
New Procedure This Year—Digital Insignia Image
Starting in 2025–26, the California Department of Education (CDE) will no longer mail
physical copies of the gold insignias or the black and white insignias to LEAs.
For eligibility information and additional GSSMD background and direction, refer to the December Update Letter.
DASHBOARD UPDATE - GROWTH DATA & 1-YEAR GRAD RATES
Release of the 2025 Growth Data and Downloadable Data on the 2025 Dashboard
The 2025 Dashboard has been updated with growth data for the 2024-25 school year.
Growth data measure sthe year-to-year improvement in students' assessment scores in ELA and Math. These district and school growth scores can provide a picture of average growth for students within schools, local educational agencies, or student groups within the accountability system.
The growth data displays aggregate growth data for students in grades 4 through 8 at the local educational agency (LEA), school, and student group levels. It is based on student performance on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for ELA and Mathematics administered during the 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25 school years. Schools exclusively serving grades TK-3 and 9-12 will not receive growth scores.
Downloadable growth data files are accessible on CDE’s website at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/growthmodeldatafiles.asp.
For answers to frequently asked questions about growth, please visit the Growth Model webpage at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/acctgrowthmod.asp.
Release of 2025 Dashboard Alternative School Status 1-Year Graduation Rates and Additional Reports
Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) schools with grade twelve students can now access their 2025 DASS one-year graduation rate data on the California School Dashboard and the 2025 Graduation Rate Additional Report. A reference guide that details the calculations used for the DASS one-year graduation rate is available on the California Department of Education (CDE) Dashboard Technical Guide web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/dashboardresources.asp.
CAASPP/ELPAC
New CAASPP or ELPAC Coordinator?
The CDE is hosting a New Coordinator Training Webinar, Support During Testing, on January 15, 2026 from 3:00pm-4:00pm. The webinar is focused on:
Ongoing support to sites
Supporting students with special needs
Common testing issues
Registration is free and is available here.
CAASPP Test Administrator Training Materials
CDE has made these available in the Training Staff section of the Coordinator How-to-Hub. The goal is to help LEAs and sites deliver training to their test administrators and the materials are set up for feasibility so you can break the training into shorter training segments as your site needs and they are customizable so you can add your own information and site/LEA details, as needed. The materials include:
Comprehensive Training Slide Deck
Detailed Training Resource Guide
K-2 Educator Recruiting for ELA & Math Resource Development
Smarter Balanced is developing new K–2 ELA and math lesson plans that emphasize formative assessment and accessibility and will be available on Tools for Teachers. The CDE is seeking current California K–2 classroom teachers with strong grade-level expertise and experience supporting young learners to help develop these resources. For details or to nominate a teacher, contact Tammy Saldaña at tsaldana@cde.ca.gov.
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.
Ensure your LEA’s website provides the required information (see link for more information). Required Website Posting
Megan Palermo / Emma Gordon
UPCOMING SARB HEARINGS
South County SARB is January 15th
North County SARB is January 29th; referrals are due January 15th.
Just a reminder of our upcoming hearing dates is February 12th (South County) with referrals due by January 29th and February 26th (North County) with referrals due by February 12th.
WELCOME TCDE ATTENDANCE SPECIALIST!
We are excited to welcome Emma Gordon to our Continuous Improvement Team, working closely with Megan to provide Attendance support. Emma will be joining us January 20th and will partner our districts and school sites. Be on the lookout for communication from Emma and introductions! Her email is: egordon@tehamaschools.org.
SARB Resources
Below are a few links for SARB resources. Should you have any questions, however, don't hesitate to reach out.
Barbara Weaver / Dani Taylor
ABOUT US
The Foster, Homeless, & Student Resource Program supports students and families in need by providing advocacy, guidance, and essential resources to promote well-being and educational success. Services include clothing and school supplies, educational rights support, trauma-informed training, and coordination between schools, families, and community agencies.
Here are the flyers you can discuss at your school site. English and Spanish
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
EL NUTS & BOLTS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Join us for the last two sessions of TK-12 Multilingual Learners Nuts and Bolts, a learning series designed for teachers and school or district teams to strengthen the implementation of ELD. Sessions focus on best practices for Integrated and Designated ELD, oral language development, ELD standards, ELPAC, reclassification, and related requirements—tailored to site and district needs.
ELPAC COORDINATORS
ELPAC Designated Supports (available to all ELs) must be entered in TOMS. Students need practice using assigned supports and should do this using the ELPAC Interims. This checklist can be provided to teachers so you can track supports and enter them in TOMS. Reach out to Liz with any questions on this: llurie@tehamaschools.org
TITLE III CONSORTIUM/MULTILINGUAL LEARNER NETWORK
Our next meeting is Feb. 26, 9am at TCDE or 3:30 via Zoom. Email Liz (llurie@tehamaschools.org) to be added to these meetings.
NEW CDE RESOURCES
Integrated ELD Strategies for Content Teachers Handout
Title III Immigrant Student Program Funds Quick Reference Guide
A collection of CDE Resources that Support the Success of ELs: ELD Compendium
Jordyn Tinsley / Elena Velasquez / Erin Sutter
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.
MLMC - 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!
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.
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.
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.
County Wide Spelling Bee
Register a Spot for Your School's Winners!
Join us for the County-Wide Spelling Bee, on March 18th at Red Bluff High School Performing Arts Center, bringing together students from schools across the county to celebrate academic excellence and the love of language!
Participants will compete in two divisions: Elementary and Junior High. If your site is interested in bringing students to the spelling bee
Please fill out this form if your site is interested in participating and you will receive the Google Folder of resources to prepare students for participation.
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
MATHCOUNTS
A Math Enrichment & Competition Opportunity for Grades 6-8 students to represent Tehama County while building critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Schools form teams that meet weekly, with students competing individually and as a team in a county competition on February 10, 2026. The program is open to all students who enjoy math, with support available to help schools get started.
See Flyer for Details.
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.
Visual 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.
Region 2 Arts Teacher Network.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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Patrick Mair, Career and College Readiness Coordinator, and Kari Dodd, Project Lead, recently represented our department at the annual Career Technical Education (CTE) Conference, where they had the opportunity to present on our innovative Mobile Labs. The conference brought together educators, administrators, and industry partners from multiple states, providing a valuable platform to share ideas and best practices in career and technical education.
During their session, Patrick and Kari showcased our two mobile labs, which are custom-built trailers dedicated to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and TRADES, which focuses on hands-on exposure to skilled trades. As the first program of its kind in our county, the mobile labs have been instrumental in expanding access to career exploration and experiential learning for students.
Their presentation highlighted how the mobile labs were developed, the planning and collaboration involved in launching the program, and what it takes to operate and sustain the project. Attendees from across the country engaged in meaningful discussions, asked thoughtful questions, and expressed strong interest in replicating similar models in their own regions.
Patrick and Kari’s presentation not only showcased the impact of our work but also positioned our department as a leader in innovative career and technical education, helping to inspire and inform programs beyond our local community.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY PD & LEARNING EVENTS:
January 21 and February 4: Keys to Content Writing
January 13th (TK-5) and January 22 (6-9)
January 13 and February 10: Visual and Preforming Arts Teachers
January 13, January 27, February 10 and February 24: Tools for Math Success by CDE
January 14th & 28th and February 10th & 24th: CAASPP Foundations Knowledge and Overview
January 21: Multilingual Learners TK-12 Nuts & Bolts
January 27 & 28: MTSS Summit
January 29 and February 3: Reading Pals Volunteer Orientation
February 3 & 4: School Counseling Summit
February 9: Administrator & Leadership Community of Practice
February 10: Math Counts
February 11: Math Curriculum Publisher Fair at TCDE
February 27 and 28: Hmong History & Cultural Studies Curriculum Conference
You can access the Professional Development Calendar here!
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