The following resources focus on the educational climate and betterment of those serving the K–12 educational community.

Linda Darling-Hammond Becomes President of CA’s State Board of Education  In another sign of the changing of the guard in the leadership of education policy in California, former Stanford professor and leading researcher Linda Darling-Hammond was selected to be president of California’s State Board of Education by fellow board members on Thursday, a month after Gov. Gavin Newsom named her to the post. (EdSource)

What Climate Change Might Mean for Test Scores  The combination of rising temperatures and aging school buildings across the country could lead to falling academic performance and wider achievement gaps among students, a new study finds. (Education Week)

Illinois State Board, New Superintendent Seek $5.6 Million More for Training Teachers, Streamlining Testing  The Illinois State Board of Education has approved adding $5.6 million more to the state education budget — money that the new superintendent says will help combat the teacher shortage and overhaul a complicated system of assessments. (Chalkbeat)

All Administrators Invited to Register for KIDS Webinar – April 4  The Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) is an observational tool designed to improve understanding of children’s development in key areas of learning for long‐term success. ISBE requires all school districts and kindergarten teachers to observe and collect data for 14 State Readiness Measures across three developmental areas. All administrators are invited to join ISBE for a webinar 3:30-4:30 p.m. on April 4 to:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the KIDS Observational Tool and the state’s purpose for collecting the data;
  • Understand how to interpret the results and use the data locally;
  • Get tips on framing the data to drive discussions about children’s needs prior to and upon kindergarten entry;
  • Gain insight on preparing for the public release of the statewide report;
  • Learn what supports and resources are available to help districts.

OH – Gov. DeWine’s “Wraparound” Services Funding Could Be Boost to Cleveland, Other School Districts  “By helping both our teachers and our students, we can help tear down the barriers to success that too many children are up against,” DeWine said Friday as he announced the plan. (Cleveland.com)