September 2026
Embedded Files
Welcome to a new school year!
As another school year begins, we're excited to continue partnering with schools and districts across Tehama County. The start of a new year is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, refine our practice, and recommit to the work that matters most, supporting every student. As Rita Pierson reminded us, "Every student deserves a champion." Whether you're leading a district, supporting a school, or inspiring students in the classroom each day, our team is here to partner with you by providing the resources, professional learning, and support you need to help every student succeed.
This month’s newsletter includes important back-to-school resources and updates to help you start the year strong, including an administrative checklist for August and September. We also encourage you to check the Professional Development Calendar regularly, as new learning opportunities continue to be added.
I am excited to share that we have welcomed two new team members who joined our department in July - more information below. We’re thrilled to welcome them and know they’ll be wonderful additions as we continue to support districts and schools across the county.
We wish you a successful start to the school year and look forward to working alongside you in the months ahead!
Warm regards,
Cathy Henderson
Cathy Henderson
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PRINCIPAL'S PLAYBOOK RESOURCE
To help support school leaders throughout the year, we’ve created a Principal’s Playbook—a month-by-month planning guide that began as a simple checklist but has grown into a more comprehensive resource. In addition to key reminders, it includes helpful background information, tips, and notes to support planning throughout the school year.
The Playbook can be used in whatever way works best for you. If you’d like a printed copy to jot down notes as you go or an electronic version to use digitally, just let me know. I’m happy to drop off a hard copy or send the electronic version your way. Click the link below if you are interested!
ADMIN. NETWORK 2026-27
We're excited to invite you to the 2026–27 Administrative Leadership Network! This year we've streamlined the structure so every session is focused, practical, and delivers tools you can bring back to your site right away. Whether you lead at an elementary, middle, or high school, a charter, or an alternative education setting, this network is designed for you to collaborate with peers, tackle shared challenges, and strengthen site leadership.
Highlights This Year:
Highlights This Year:
Expanded Regional Collaboration: We're partnering with Glenn County for two of our four meetings, expanding our professional community through job-alike, school-alike settings and swapping proven strategies across county lines.
Practical Deliverables: Each session is built around high-leverage practices, so you leave with concrete tools—from observational “look-fors” to actionable data protocols—rather than just discussion.
Grounded in Core Texts: We'll be using Untangling Data-Based Decision Making as our foundational text this year, and Jason and I will give each of you a hard copy. It's not an assignment—more a tool and guide we'll reference throughout the year.
2026–27 Session Overview
2026–27 Session Overview
Session 1 (Sept 3): Instructional Priorities & Collective Practices – Joint session with Glenn County, at GCOE. Focus on high-leverage instructional look-fors, collective practices, and regional success shares (including AVID and Solution Tree highlights).
Session 2 (Nov): Dashboard and Data Deep Dive – in Red Bluff at TCDE. A deep dive into California School Dashboard data using like-school data tools to inform site planning.
Session 3 (Jan 28): Science of Learning/Taking Data-Based Action – Joint session hosted in Red Bluff at TCDE. This session applies evidence-based learning science—retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and interleaving—to help students build knowledge.
Session 4 (April 15): LCAP & SPSA Alignment Support – in Red Bluff at TCDE. Hands-on planning to fully integrate Tier 1 initiatives and high-leverage practices into your school site plans.
MONTHLY REMINDERS
Please find the linked information with monthly reminders for August and September. I will provide these shortened versions of monthly checklist in each newsletter. This will not be in an exhaustive list, but hopefully will give you a little bit more information on due dates, requirements, and upcoming deadlines.
ALIGNED RELEASE OF DASHBOARD & ASSESSMENT DATA - OCT. 15th
The California Department of Education will simultaneously release statewide assessment data and the California School Dashboard on October 15, 2026. This combined release provides school districts with an integrated view of academic achievement and accountability metrics. For detailed considerations and public communication guidelines, visit the CDE Aligned Data Release web page.
ARTICLE SHARE - TOP SCHOOLS BEATING 3rd GRADE READING
A national article highlights high-performing elementary schools across the country that are achieving exceptional 3rd-grade reading results despite demographic challenges. The reporting explores the instructional strategies and evidence-based literacy practices driving student progress. Read the full story on The 74 Million.
Educator Quick Reference: Key Terms & Data Sources
The reference guide linked below provides educators with a quick-reference overview of foundational California educational terminology, instructional frameworks, and data sources designed to support data-informed classroom instruction. It defines essential concepts like MTSS, LCAP, Tier 1 instruction, and the Science of Reading, alongside practical frameworks for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to prioritize standards, structure data protocols, and plan targeted interventions. Additionally, the guide breaks down subject area claims and writing performance task criteria, while linking teachers directly to state and regional data tools like the California School Dashboard and Ed-Data.
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New School Safety Plan Requirements for J-13A Requests
Beginning with emergencies occurring on or after July 1, 2026, Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) requesting J-13A emergency attendance credit must certify that they have an updated, board-approved Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) in place.
To meet the new requirements, LEAs must ensure their Comprehensive School Safety Plan:
Has been formally adopted by the governing board.
Includes a compliant Instructional Continuity Plan (ICP), as required by Education Code Section 32282.
Documents how instruction and pupil engagement were maintained during an emergency—or, if implementation was not possible, explains why and identifies the alternative educational services that were provided.
These changes reinforce the importance of maintaining current safety plans and ensuring instructional continuity is integrated into emergency preparedness efforts.
REPORTING DEADLINES AT A GLANCE
Below are a few highlights of fiscal deadlines for June 2026, including expenditure requirements for one-time state grants (like Prop 28 and ELOP) and the federal CMDC reporting window.
Several state reporting requirements are due this fall, with multiple grant and expenditure reports due September 30, followed by LCAP posting to the California School Dashboard (October 13–31) and CSI Grant Reporting (October 31). Be sure to review the reporting calendar and begin gathering required documentation to ensure all submissions are completed by the applicable deadlines.
NEW COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS PATHWAY
California has updated the College/Career Indicator (CCI) methodology to recognize the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) as a pathway for students to be counted as "Prepared" on the California School Dashboard. This change elevates civic engagement as a recognized indicator of postsecondary readiness alongside other established college and career pathways.
What's New?
The State Seal of Civic Engagement now counts toward the College/Career Indicator (CCI), allowing eligible students to be recognized as "Prepared" on the California School Dashboard.
The SSCE joins other recognized college and career readiness measures, including:
Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Dual Enrollment
Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways\
State Seal of Biliteracy
The updated methodology provides districts with another opportunity to demonstrate student college and career readiness through meaningful civic learning and engagement.
The change reinforces California's commitment to preparing students not only for college and careers, but also for active and informed participation in their communities.
State Seal of Civic Engagement - CDE Website
Additionally, the CDE recently updated its State Seal of Civic Engagement data collection guidance, noting that districts now submit individual SSCE earners through the Education Data Collection System (EDCS) to support its use in the College/Career Indicator. This page may be particularly useful for CALPADS coordinators, registrars and other staff.
JULY 2026 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Just a few updates on legislative changes are noted below.
Phone-Free Schools
Beginning July 1, California schools are required to have policies limiting student cellphone use during the school day to support learning, reduce distractions, and promote student well-being.
Legislative Information AB 3216
Expanded Substitute Teacher Flexibility — AB 2490 (Valencia)
Expanded Substitute Teacher Flexibility — AB 2490 (Valencia)
While the original proposal would have restored the previous 60-day flexibility, subsequent amendments expanded the limit to 70 cumulative days and added new training, mentoring, parent notification, and reporting requirements.
AB 2490 continues to advance through the California Legislature as a proposed stopgap measure to help schools address ongoing teacher and substitute shortages. The bill has passed the Assembly and is currently under consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Under the latest version, AB 2490 would:
Allow certain holders of an Emergency Career Substitute Teaching Permit to serve for up to 70 cumulative days in a single classroom, including special education classrooms.
Create an alternative to the existing requirement that applicants complete at least 90 days of substitute teaching during each of the previous three years.
Require participating substitutes to receive at least five hours of professional development, assignment-specific orientation and support from an assigned mentor.
Require an additional 30 hours of professional development when the permit is renewed for the first time.
Require districts and other local educational agencies to notify families within 10 schooldays when an eligible substitute is placed in the classroom.
Require annual public reporting on extended substitute assignments and reporting to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The legislation emphasizes that extended substitute placements should be used only as a limited, temporary option when a fully credentialed or otherwise more appropriately authorized educator is not available.
Current Status: AB 2490 passed the Assembly unanimously and advanced from the Senate Education Committee on June 24, 2026. As of August 4, it remains an active bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee and has not yet been signed into law.
FEDERAL FUNDS ALLOCATIONS
The California Department of Education announced fiscal year 2026–27 federal funding allocations for school districts across several key programs. These apportionments cover Title I, Part A (Basic Grants), Title II, Part A (Supporting Effective Instruction), and Title IV, Part A (Student Support & Academic Enrichment). Districts can access the official allocation results to support budget planning for the 2026-27 school year.
PROPOSITION 28 UPDATE - AB 2440
I want to share an update on Proposition 28 and the ongoing work to expand K–12 arts and music education across California, along with key details below on Assembly Bill 2440.
While Prop 28 guaranteed nearly $1 billion annually for school arts programs, ambiguous administrative rules left many districts in gridlock—hesitant to spend allocations due to strict "supplement, not supplant" compliance requirements and fear of audit penalties. AB 2440 offers a practical legislative solution. By allowing local educational agencies to pool resources across campuses, share traveling arts teachers, and clearly adjust baseline funding calculations, the bill cuts through accounting red tape. If your district has faced staffing shortages or compliance hurdles while attempting to expand its arts programming, AB 2440 provides the statutory flexibility needed to get those dollars out of administrative limbo and directly into classrooms.
Here is a breakdown of information to help understand AB 2440:
Resource & Fund Pooling: Authorizes school districts to pool Prop 28 allocations across multiple school sites. This allows smaller and mid-sized districts to share itinerant arts teachers, specialized equipment, or district-wide arts programs that individual school budgets could not fund alone.
Clearer "Supplement, Not Supplant" Guidelines: Establishes a concrete formula to determine whether a district is maintaining its baseline arts spending. It explicitly accounts for expiring funding sources (such as temporary grant funds that ended), ensuring districts aren't penalized or accused of supplanting local funds when baseline funding shifts occur.
Flexible Spending & Waivers: Expands allowable uses to include standards-aligned curriculum, instructional materials, and professional development—giving districts immediate options to build their programs when staffing shortages make immediate hiring unfeasible.
CDE DASHBOARD COORDINATOR RE-REGISTRATION & LCAP UPLOAD - ACTION REQUIRED!
The California Department of Education (CDE) is resetting the Dashboard Coordinator database and opening annual re-registration for the 2026–2027 school year. Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) must complete re-registration to ensure access for the upcoming Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) submission window.
Key Dates & Deadlines:
Friday, August 14, 2026 (5:00 p.m.): The CDE will reset the 2025–2026 database. The Dashboard Coordinator website on myCDEconnect will be temporarily offline.
Monday, August 17, 2026: Re-registration opens. All LEAs must submit a new registration form for 2026–2027, even if coordinator details remain unchanged. Forms must be approved on myCDEconnect by the Main Authorizer (superintendent/charter administrator) or Alternate Authorizer to receive login credentials.
September 14 – October 9, 2026: The Dashboard LCAP submission window opens. Registered Main Authorizers, Alternate Authorizers, and Dashboard Coordinators will need access to upload the 2026–2027 LCAP PDF.
For questions regarding the Dashboard Coordinators reset and the LCAP upload, please email LCFF@cde.ca.gov.
PROP 28 FINAL EXPENDITURE REPORTS 2023-24 ALLOCATIONS
To help LEAs prepare to submit their Final Expenditure Reports to the CDE by October 1, 2026, for their FY 2023-24 AMS allocations, School Services of California (SSC) has created the Proposition 28 Yearly Grant Expenditure Excel Workbook, which has been updated to correct an autocomplete error associated with the district data population. The workbook contains instructions and prompts to input expenditure data by instructional, non-instructional, and administrative spending. Additionally, the CDE provides AMS Audit Compliance Worksheets that help ensure LEAs are compliant with Proposition 28’s spending requirements.
SSC encourages collaboration between instructional and business leaders to ensure accurate accounting of AMS funding and expenditures.
PORTRAIT OF A LEARNER - IGNITE 2026
Registration is now open for the Portrait of a Learner IGNITE 2026 Summit, taking place September 27–29, 2026, in San Jose, bringing together educators and partners to share practices and advance student-centered, whole child learning. The event will feature breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a call for presenters (proposals due April 2), with districts encouraged to attend in teams.
CAASPP & ELPAC DETAILED DATA REPORTS AVAILABLE
We would like to share a screenshot of our TCDE CAASPP & ELPAC data reports. For those of you that have accessed the "Green Sheets" in the past, our Data Technician, Kaden, has updated the data reports.
Below is a snip of the report to give you an idea of what the top portion looks like - the report will filter by multiple categories, from student groups, grade level, gender, etc. Additionally, you will have access to view DFS, overall growth, achievement gap, student details and cut scores & diagnostic data.
If you would like a district-specific or school-specific CAASPP & ELPAC Dashboard, please email: kriccomini2@tehamaschools.org and Kaden will get you setup with a shared data file and instructions on how to access your report. You will need your TOMS data file, but we can help you download that as well. We look forward to partnering with you on additional data reports and needs.
ASSESSMENT REPORTING & SCORE RESOURCES
Essential online tools and guides are available to assist educators with downloading and analyzing student assessment results. Coordinators can bulk-download Student Score Reports (SSRs) through TOMS and manage custom user groups in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS) for targeted data analysis. Access step-by-step instructions via the CERS User Guide and CDE’s Distributing SSRs Guide.
2026 ASSESSMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY INFO. MEETINGS
Registration is open for the virtual 2026 Assessment & Accountability Information Meetings scheduled for August 13 (Assessment Updates) and August 20 (Dashboard & Accountability Updates). These sessions provide local coordinators with critical updates regarding statewide testing and accountability indicators. You can sign up on the 2026 AAIM Zoom Registration page or request presentation updates via the Materials and Recordings form.
BTS SITE ADMINISTRATOR ASSESSMENT CONVENINGS
Site administrators are invited to join colleagues from across California for the CDE-hosted Site Administrator Assessment Convenings on August 19 and 25, 2026. These one-hour virtual convenings will be presented by the CDE and will highlight key back to school information for site administrators, including:
CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments available for 2026–27
CDE-sponsored trainings for administrators and teachers focused on interim assessments, formative assessment practices, and accessing results from state assessments
Key resources that can help strengthen instruction and student learning
Register for the Back to School Site Administrator Assessment Convenings today.
Questions about the Site Administrator Assessment Convenings should be directed to the Sacramento County Office of Education at caaspp@scoe.net.
Megan Palermo / Emma Gordon
Now that school is back in session, it’s a great time to review your Tier 1 and 2 supports! In this month's newsletter, we’ll highlight ways to connect with families, address attendance barriers, and keep absenteeism rates low.
Steadfast September Flyer
TCDE ATTENDANCE PROCESS OVERVIEW
Attendance meetings play a key role in identifying barriers and connecting students and families with support. The information below provides an overview of the attendance process and the various levels of attendance meetings and supports available to schools. Running attendance letters helps to identify students who may need additional support. Truancy letters and the 10% Attendance letter are key indicators for when an attendance meeting should be considered. If you need assistance in how to run these reports/queries in Aeries, please reach out and we can support your school sites with these reporting how-tos.
School Attendance Review Team (SART) Meetings
We recommend scheduling a SART meeting after a student receives their second truancy letter, typically when they have 4–7 unexcused absences.
Students with an excessive amount of excused absences should also be scheduled for a SART meeting after the 10% attendance letter is sent.
Who Participates in a SART Meeting
A SART (School Attendance Review Team Meeting) brings together:
The student
Parents or guardians
School administration
School and district support
The County Attendance Department
If absences are related to illness, physical or mental health concerns, it is strongly recommended that the school nurse and counselor or mental health support be invited. The purpose of the team is to identify barriers to attendance, provide education, and connect families with appropriate supports, resources, and community referrals.
Additional Support
At any point in the attendance process, schools may request a home visit from the County and District Attorney SARB Investigator. These visits are intended to strengthen or reconnect communication between the home and school and to directly offer support.
Referral to SARB
If a student has:
Received all three truancy letters, and
Participated in an attendance meeting (or an attempt has been made to hold a meeting), and
Continues to be truant
The student should then be referred to SARB (School Attendance Review Board) for further support.
SARB Resources
Below are a few links for SARB resources. Should you have any questions
don't hesitate to reach out.
UPCOMING SARB HEARINGS
South County SARB is October 22nd
North County SARB is October 29th
Barbara Weaver / Dani Taylor
REMINDERS AND DID YOU KNOW
Staff Reminder: Please let your Foster/Homeless Youth Liaison know if you become aware of a student who may be:
Staying with another family due to loss of housing or financial hardship
Living in a motel, hotel, shelter, vehicle, or other temporary situation
Moving frequently or experiencing sudden housing changes
Living without a parent or guardian
Experiencing a change in foster care placement
💭 Did You Know?
💭 Did You Know?
A student does not have to be sleeping on the streets to qualify for McKinney-Vento protections. Students who are temporarily staying with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship may also qualify.
🤝 How Can Your Student Resource Specialist Help?
🤝 How Can Your Student Resource Specialist Help?
Dani can help with:
Connecting families with housing and community resources
Helping families access food, clothing, hygiene items, and other basic needs
Connecting families with community agencies and services
Supporting families who may be struggling with attendance or barriers to getting their student to school
Helping schools navigate questions related to foster or homeless student rights
Providing resources, information, and support to students, families, and school staff
ABOUT US
Dedicated to promoting well-being and educational success, the Foster/Homeless, & Student Resource Program provides advocacy, guidance, and essential resources to families and students in need. Its services encompass school supplies and clothing, educational rights support, trauma-informed training, and seamless coordination among schools, families, and community agencies.
Links for the flyers for the Tehama County Department of Education Foster/Homeless Program
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Aicj4IDwEOUFPGUaQHO84qidp7orwWcg/view?usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWExXQlcCRcEp4IQABdosX0LZzd5XRdq/view?usp=drive_link
RESOURCES
Updated and Extensive list of Support programs, Food shelters, Housing assistance and Shelters, Public assistance, Counseling Resources along with Medical and Dental Services offered throughout all of Tehama County.
drive.google.com/file/d/19ZgBYzmwzky-U1hkWe2MsE0jWHZ-E1DK/view?usp=sharing
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
LIFT EVENT SAVE THE DATE - DECEMBER 4th
The annual LIFT event, a local community resource fair, will take place on December 4, 2026, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Tehama County Fairgrounds. This event connects residents with free support services, job resources, and community programs.
Save the date flyer
FYEAC Quarterly Meetings
The Foster Youth Education Advisory Council (FYEAC) brings together school staff, community partners, foster youth, caregivers, and others who support foster youth in our community.
Our goal is simple: to bridge gaps and work together so foster youth are better supported and served.
2026–2027 Meeting Dates:
📌 October 7, 2026
📌 December 16, 2026
📌 February 10, 2027
📌 April 14, 2027
📍 In Person: TCDE or 💻 Virtual Option: Zoom
Save the dates and watch for meeting details and Zoom information!
Have a topic, concern, resource, or idea you'd like us to discuss? Bring it to FYEAC!
📞 Need Support? Contact Us! When in doubt, reach out!
📞 Need Support? Contact Us! When in doubt, reach out!
Barbara A. Weaver Dani Taylor
Foster/Homeless Youth Program Specialist Student Resource Specialist
📞 (530) 528-7321 📞 (530) 737-8442
✉️ bweaver@tehamaschools.org ✉️ dtaylor@tehamaschools.org
Liz Lurie / Darlene Templeton
TRANSLATION ≠ ELD
As we begin the school year, we want to revisit an important distinction:
Translation can be a scaffold. Translation is not, by itself, English Language Development.
California's ELD expectations require English learners to receive opportunities to develop English while engaging with academic content. Integrated ELD uses the California ELD Standards in tandem with academic content standards.
Our goal is not simply to make an assignment understandable. Our goal is to help multilingual learners understand the content AND develop the English they need to communicate their understanding.
What Might Translation Accomplish?
What Might Translation Accomplish?
Translation can be a valuable support that helps students:
understand directions
access background knowledge
clarify an unfamiliar concept
engage with a complex text
make connections between languages
These can be appropriate and effective supports.
But Ask Yourself...
But Ask Yourself...
After I provide the translation, what will the student do with English? Will the student:
discuss the concept with a partner?
explain their reasoning?
ask or answer questions?
use academic vocabulary?
write an explanation?
interpret a text?
justify a claim?
present their thinking?
If the answer is no, we may have provided access without providing meaningful language development.
The Planning Question
The Planning Question
Before planning tomorrow's lesson, ask: What will my multilingual learners DO with English during this lesson?
That's where Integrated ELD begins.
California Connection
5 CCR §11309 requires language acquisition programs to include both Designated and Integrated ELD.
CA ELD Standards: Part I, Interacting in Meaningful Ways
CDE Integrated ELD guidance: California ELD Standards are used alongside academic content standards across the school day.
🎯 TRY IT TOMORROW
🎯 TRY IT TOMORROW
Take one lesson from tomorrow's schedule and ask: “After students receive access to the content, what will they DO with English?”
Add one opportunity for students to:
speak
explain
discuss
write
justify
interpret
present
Translation may still be part of the lesson—but it should not be the end of the lesson for an English learner.
🔎 ADMINISTRATOR LOOK-FORS
🔎 ADMINISTRATOR LOOK-FORS
During a classroom visit, look beyond whether EL students have translated materials. Look for:
intentional language objectives
opportunities for student-to-student interaction
academic vocabulary in use
sentence frames or other language supports
teacher modeling
opportunities to produce oral and written English
scaffolds that support—not eliminate—language demands
Ask: “What are multilingual learners being asked to do with English during this lesson?”
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
California's Great Start Preschool through 3rd Grade TOOLKIT
Jordyn Tinsley / Elena Velasquez
Lets Read Together: September Books of the Month
Looking for your next family or classroom read? NEA's Read Across America has handpicked a book for every age group each month — perfect for building a shared reading habit at home or in class.
Elementary: We the People is All the People by Howard W. Reeves
Middle Grades: What Fell From the Sky by Adrianna Cuevas
Young Adult: Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez
Grab a copy, start a conversation, and celebrate the joy of reading together this month!
The 2027 Tehama Count-Wide Spelling Bee is Back!
Save the date — the Spelling Bee returns on February 5, 2027, bringing together students from schools across the county to celebrate academic excellence and a love of language! Students will compete in two divisions:
Elementary Division – 9:00 AM
Junior High Division – 12:30 PM
The event will be held at Red Bluff High School Performing Arts Center (1515 Douglas Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080), and both divisions will be available via live stream for those who can't attend in person.
Want your school to participate? School sites can complete the interest form to receive more information.
Questions? Contact Jordyn Tinsley at jtinsley@tehamaschools.org.
Creativity at the Core PD - bringing Arts into everyday teaching
Tehama County Department of Education and Glenn County Office of Education are teaming up to bring TK–12 classroom teachers three free virtual professional learning series built around the CA County Superintendents Arts Initiative. Each series pairs two live sessions (3:30–5:00 PM) with a ready-to-use planning template, so you leave with a real lesson, not just ideas.
Teaching Visual Arts in Connection with History/Social Studies (K–12) — Oct 27 & Dec 2, 2026
Music Instruction and Universal Design for Learning (TK–6) — Jan 27 & Feb 24, 2027
Lifting the Barre: Connecting Dance with Common Core (K–6) — Mar 24 & Apr 28, 2027
Join one series or all three — register here.
Building Thinking Classrooms Math Book Study Toolkit 1 & 2
Bring your math instruction to life with this engaging and hands-on learning series designed to help educators create more student-centered, thinking-focused classrooms. Participants will explore practical strategies from the very start, including how to launch meaningful problem-solving experiences, design rich thinking tasks, and “thin slice” lessons into manageable steps that keep students actively engaged and moving forward.
Throughout the series, you’ll collaborate with fellow educators to build a supportive professional community, share ideas, and deepen your practice. Sessions also focus on making student thinking visible and consolidating learning in impactful ways you can immediately apply in your classroom. With a provided book, structured sessions, and the opportunity to earn CEU credit, this is a valuable and accessible way to grow your instructional toolkit and strengthen student engagement in math.
Contact evelasquez@tehamaschools.org for more information
READING PALS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Reading Pals is expanding across Tehama County and we need your help spreading the word! We're looking for community volunteers to read just one hour a week with students at school sites across the county. If you know someone who would make a great Reading Pal, encourage them to sign up! Monthly orientations are held at TCDE to get volunteers started. For questions or more information, contact Jordyn Tinsley at jtinsley@tehamaschools.org.
Tehama County Science Fair March 2027!
Orientation for Teachers and Admin Sept 16 or 23 (virtual)
Vision: The Tehama County Science & Engineering Fair inspires curiosity and a love of science through authentic inquiry while celebrating student innovation, creativity, and scientific thinking.
Mission: The Tehama County Science & Engineering Fair provides students with opportunities to investigate meaningful questions, design and conduct scientific investigations, develop engineering solutions, communicate their findings, and engage with educators and community members.
Through this experience, students build confidence, strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and develop a lifelong appreciation for science and engineering.
See flyer for more information: website, handbook, and registration for orientation.
GETTING READING RIGHT Growing Reader Series for Paraeducators, Families, and Community Members
Know a paraeducator, family, volunteer, or community member who could use some support helping a child grow as a reader? Share this free opportunity with them!
Getting Reading Right is a monthly series (1:00–2:00 PM on Zoom, October–April) open to anyone supporting a growing reader — no teaching background required. Each session breaks down one reading skill in simple, practical terms, so participants walk away with strategies they can use right away.
Global Book Bag Workshop
TK–5 teachers, don't miss your chance to build Global Book Bags for your classroom: globally-themed children's literature paired with activities that grow students' world knowledge, civic engagement, and global competence. Space is filling up fast for the Global Book Bag Workshop — and only 7 spots remain!
You'll leave with $500 worth of ready-to-use books and materials, plus new strategies for teaching global citizenship and civic engagement.
Space is limited to Tehama certificated classroom teachers only — register now before spots are gone!
You're Invited: 2026 3rd Grade Mock Trial — Nationwide & Virtual!
Mark your calendars for Constitution Day, September 17, 2026 (10:30–11:30 AM Central), when Olathe Public Schools and the 10th Judicial District (Johnson County, KS) host their virtual Third Grade Mock Trial — open to classrooms nationwide!
Kansas District Court Judge Robert J. Wonnell will help students explore how a courtroom works in this fun, interactive civics experience. Instructional materials are provided to help teachers prep students in advance, so don't wait — registration is open now.
Register: olatheschools.org/mock-trial
Keys to Early Writing - PD Opportunity for TK-2 Educators
Through the North State Reading Consortium, TK-2 educators can now register for Keys to Early Writing, a course from Keys to Literacy designed to build strong early writing instruction. The course includes eight asynchronous modules — covering topics like Writing Basics, the Writing Process, Syntax & Sentences, and Writing from Sources — paired with six facilitated debrief sessions via Zoom.
Debrief Session Dates (3:15–4:30 PM via Zoom):
October 13, November 10, December 8, January 12, February 23, and March 23
Course materials include the Keys to Early Writing Course and Book, a Response Notebook, and participants' own curriculum materials.
Questions? Email jtinsley@tehamaschools.org Flyer
Keys to Early Writing - PD Opportunity for 3-5 Educators
Through the North State Reading Consortium, 3-5 educators can now register for Keys to Early Writing, a course from Keys to Literacy designed to build strong early writing instruction. The course includes eight asynchronous modules — Quick Writes, Sentences and Paragraphs, Summary Writing, and Writing from Sources — paired with six facilitated debrief sessions via Zoom.
Debrief Session Dates (3:15–4:30 PM via Zoom):
October 13, November 3, December 1, January 5, February 2, and March 2
Course materials include the Keys to Early Writing Course and Book, a Response Notebook, and participants' own curriculum materials.
Questions? Email jtinsley@tehamaschools.org Flyer
Keys to Early Writing - PD Opportunity for 6-12 Educators
Through the North State Reading Consortium, 6-12 educators can now register for Keys to Early Writing, a course from Keys to Literacy designed to build strong early writing instruction. The course includes eight asynchronous modules — Quick Writes, Sentences and Paragraphs, Summary Writing, and Writing from Sources — paired with six facilitated debrief sessions via Zoom.
Debrief Session Dates (3:15–4:30 PM via Zoom):
October 13, November 3, December 1, January 5, February 2, and March 2
Course materials include the Keys to Early Writing Course and Book, a Response Notebook, and participants' own curriculum materials.
Questions? Email jtinsley@tehamaschools.org Flyer
Adolescent Literacy Foundations for Leadership - For Principals & Instructional Leaders
Calling all principals and instructional leaders! Build your knowledge of adolescent literacy through Keys to Literacy's Adolescent Literacy Foundations for Leadership course.
The course combines four asynchronous modules — covering Literacy Basics, What is Adolescent Literacy?, Adolescent Learners with Reading Difficulties, and Data-Driven Reading Intervention — with facilitated debrief sessions on Zoom to unpack the content together.
Debrief Sessions (Zoom, 3:45–4:45 PM): Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 11, Apr 15, May 13
Materials include The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy course and book, plus a Response Notebook and Action Plan Notebook.
Literacy & Data Community of Practice!
Calling all elementary literacy teams! Join a five-session regional Community of Practice designed to build your team's skills in navigating a comprehensive assessment system — including RDRS — and turning data into action.
Across the year, teams will use structured protocols to respond to data with action plans, build capacity to work with outcome, implementation, and fidelity data, and connect with other literacy teams across the region doing the same work.
Sessions (Zoom, 3:30–5:00 PM): Sept 23, Nov 18, Jan 20, Mar 17, Apr 21
Bonus: Teams that participate in all five sessions receive a copy of Untangling Data-Based Decision Making and a $300 stipend.
Note: Registration must be done in teams. Flyer
Save the Date: Color the County on January 13th, 2027
Join Tehama County Department of Education for a full day celebrating student creativity at the Tehama County Student Arts Showcase! From captivating artwork and dynamic performances to music, movement, storytelling, and digital creations, this event brings student imagination to life across visual arts, dance, media arts, music, and theatre.
Interested in bringing your school for a 2 hour hands on field trip and/or contributing student arts/performances? Fill out the Interest form
COLLABORATIVE AI PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NETWORK
KICK OFF EVENT: Christian Jackson is a nationally recognized AI strategist. His work focuses on turning
AI into an intuitive thinking partner that enhances human intelligence rather than
replacing it.
Topics Include:
Human-Centered AI — Keep people in control. Protect teacher judgment and critical thinking.
Hands-On Exploration — Test and build across real AI platforms.
Streamlined Workflows — Cut time on communications, admin, and routine tasks.
Lesson Planning — Use AI to differentiate, align targets, and customize materials.
Tailored Strategies — Approaches that fit your tools, Google or Microsoft.
Direct Coaching — One-on-one time to build prompts and solve real challenges.
NOVEMBER 3, 2026
8:30-3:00 PM @ TCDE
Questions? Contact esutter@tehamaschools.org FLYER
CAASPP in the Classroom
CAASPP in the Classroom
If you are giving interim assessments, this series helps you use the data you receive. Eight virtual sessions, October through May, on choosing the right interim, reading what it tells you, and deciding what to do next. Not a training on how to log in and administer a test.
Mondays, 3:15–4:30. Starts October 5. Each session stands alone.
Registration Link · Questions: Erin Sutter, esutter@tehamaschools.org
Erin Sutter
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