'Spotlight on the SCCOE' puts the promise of equity front and center
 The SCCOE is shining a light on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and its promise of equity in the latest episode of "Spotlight on the SCCOE," a television series that launched in May.
Featuring County Superintendent of Schools Jon R. Gundry and hosted by Chief Public Affairs Officer Peter Daniels, the third episode, "Discussion on the Local Control Accountability Plan," explains key components of the LCAP, as it is known in educational circles, and what the public should grasp about this funding shift.
LCAP is part of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which was signed into law in 2013. According to guest Michael Bachicha, Director of State and Federal Programs at the SCCOE, LCAP describes "the actions and services we're going to provide to improve student outcomes for all students and specifically how we're also going to improve outcomes for the traditionally underserved; low income, English learner, foster youth population." "Spotlight on the SCCOE" was created to help inform the local community about the latest happenings in K-12 education. Be sure to tune in next time, where the SCCOE will discuss DataZone
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Annual CAASPP results: County students exceed state averages
Students in Santa Clara County continue to perform well in the second year of the student assessment system known as CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress), which has more rigorous college and career-ready standards than previous state testing. County students outperformed their counterparts across the state and showed gains over the previous year according to data released August 25 by the California Department of Education.
 "It is great this assessment allows us to see the progress students are making from one year to the next," said Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools. "Not only are county students performing at rates higher than the state, they also improved upon their results from last year in almost every category and grade level."
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Foster youth create websites through STEM and Work Readiness program
Following their graduation ceremony July 28 at The Tech Museum of Innovation, the training is preparing the students for a paid STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) internship.
 "At age 24, foster youth earn an average of $690 per month, which is less than half of the average for their non-foster peers. Evidence shows that foster youth who start working during high school can increase their earning potential," said John Hogan, CEO of TeenForce. "STEM internships are a life-changing experience for foster youth, keeping them engaged in school and helping develop networks of supportive adults."
The graduating students, the eighth class of the overarching program, were the first cohort to use the curriculum and strategy created by the nonprofit organization Hack the Hood. This involved 120 hours of training in website design where students created sites for different clients.
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Updates from the Santa Clara County Board of Education
Here's a summary of actions taken by the Board at its August 17 meeting (the only meeting in August):
-Opportunity Youth Academy (OYA) was officially approved as a county-wide dependent charter school to replicate and extend the program that began in August 2015, to address the needs of high school dropouts in Santa Clara County. The SCCOE will partner with the School for Integrated Academics and Technologies (SIATech), a network of WASC and AdvancED accredited public charter high schools with campuses in Arkansas, California, and Florida, as a charter school, according to the OYA Charter Petition.
-Trustees recommended nominating Senator Jim Beall for a California School Boards Association Legislative Award.
The Board of Education is the elected governing body of the SCCOE. Its seven members serve four-year terms and are elected by different regions of the county. Learn more about the members, and view their meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes.
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Student entries sought for civic engagement video contest
As part of the recent civic engagement initiative launched by the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) and its partners, students are being asked to tell their story about how they are civic-minded and can get others involved.
The SCCOE Civic Engagement PSA Video Contest is now open for all students in Santa Clara County. Students can enter as groups or individually in three grade-level categories: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The deadline to submit applications is September 23 and winning entries will be chosen in each of the three grade level categories. For specific contest guidelines, objectives, and the official application, students can visit the website.
Winners who finish in the top three places will receive a video production kit for their teacher and classroom, and each individual student will receive a gift card. An awards ceremony is planned for October 5.
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Website provides Civic Education and Engagement resources
With teachers and students recently returning for the 2016-17 school year, new resources await them in the area of civic engagement. This month, as part of its commitment to support civic education and engagement, http://civiced.sccoe.org, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) launched a civic engagement website, complete with a short video public service announcement that describes this initiative.
Research shows that robust civic learning helps students beyond the classroom - giving them opportunities to analyze, address, and ultimately have a hand in solving complex issues that are important to them and those around them. Furthermore, research findings correlate high-quality civic learning to increased academic achievement, student engagement, and reduced dropout rates.
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SCCOE wraps up four-part informational series
The fourth article, out August 26, gives tips on how parents can take an active role in their child's education and build a strong academic foundation throughout the school year.
 The series features different back-to-school, general education, and child welfare topics to equip parents with information to achieve positive outcomes and maximize opportunities for their children.
Check out all of the articles on the website - published in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese - or read them by clicking on the individual articles below:
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Upcoming Events
Below are some of the many upcoming events supported by the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Check the "Events" column of our website for regular updates:
 Classified Job Fair: On September 24, the SCCOE will host an event designed for qualified candidates to meet with school district hiring administrators. More than 20 Santa Clara County school districts are expected to participate in the fair and have openings in the following areas: paraeducators, food service workers, custodians, drivers (all levels), clerical/administrative assistants, and maintenance workers.To learn more about the Santa Clara County School Job Fair, click here.
2016 Inclusion Collaborative State Conference: The SCCOE will host the Inclusion Collaborative State Conference, sponsored by the California Department of Education-Special Education Division and First 5 Santa Clara County, from October 27-28. Meet with other education professionals and learn, create, and enhance inclusive practices for from birth to 12th grade with and without disabilities. Participants can obtain two CEUs through the University of the Pacific and received a certificate of completion. Registration for the conference closes October 7, or when filled. Don't delay! Register here.
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Since 1852, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has provided vital services and resources to the county's 31 K-12 public school districts and more than 270,000 students. The SCCOE strives to provide advocacy and leadership on education issues, student programs that are models of excellence and indispensable services to schools and community partners. The SCCOE is committed to serving, inspiring and promoting student and public school success.
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Eight high school foster youth completed a two-day paid technical training in office skills this month under the umbrella of a STEM and Work Readiness program, created in collaboration with the SCCOE,
