Commentary author
Publication Type
Commentary
Summary

In a reflection on her first year as PACE's Executive Director, Lupita Cortez Alcalá highlights the organization’s role in connecting rigorous research with California education policy. PACE's work helped inform two major legislative changes: AB 181, restructuring state education governance, and AB 2555, establishing more consistent and equitable English learner reclassification practices. Through its partnership with Stanford’s SCALE Initiative on Getting Down to Facts III, PACE also helped disseminate 55 technical reports and 22 policy briefs examining critical challenges facing California schools. Alongside research on literacy, mathematics, special education, and other priorities, PACE expanded opportunities for dialogue among researchers, policymakers, educators, and communities. Looking ahead to major leadership transitions and further governance reforms in 2027, Alcalá emphasizes PACE’s commitment to independent, nonpartisan research and collaborative, evidence-informed policymaking for improving opportunities and outcomes for California students.

Publication Type
Commentary
Summary

California schools face potential disruption and destabilization related to increased immigration enforcement practices, with up to one in eight students, and/or their close family members, at risk of direct impacts. As schools increasingly face the possibility of becoming sites of immigration enforcement, many educators are working to understand how to support students and families who could be—or who already are—affected. This commentary suggests best practices educators can follow before and during any immigration enforcement event that affects a student or their family. The authors also highlight how districts can partner with legal organizations to educate students, staff, and families as well as to help students and families who are in deportation proceedings.

September 3, 2024 | KQED

When global events unfold, the ripple effects often land in unexpected places—like a classroom in Oakland, California. Increased refugee resettlement, immigration at the U.S. southern border and the buses sent by Texas to cities like New York have created a...