CA Department of Education

These State Special Schools are more than just schools; they are specialized centers of excellence that provide a least restrictive environment through direct communication, whether that is American Sign Language or Braille.

SB 1381, which Superintendent Thurmond is sponsoring, would ensure parents are fully informed of all their educational options, including State Special Schools.

Advocating for CA’s State Special Schools! ✨🌟 Today, dozens of students from @csdeagles, @csdriverside, and @CSBFremont visited the State Capitol and met with @CA_Supt Tony Thurmond on the importance of Senate Bill 1381 (Cervantes).

Meet our #CAGreenRibbon Bronze Honoree: San Benito HSD! 🌳 From 400+ community-funded trees to a thriving Wellness Center and new greenhouse, SBHSD cultivates connection, well-being, and hands-on environmental learning. 🌱

On this #SchoolNurseDay, we thank all the amazing school nurses across California! You play an important role in helping keep our students healthy and thriving, and we are grateful for all you do. 🩺❤️‍🩹

Meet our #CAGreenRibbon Gold Honoree: Community Roots Academy! From student-led composting & food recovery to garden-based learning and whole-child wellness, CRA grows sustainability, health, and real-world skills every day.

A big thank you to our educational and philanthropic partners for attending @CA_Supt Tony Thurmond’s Literacy Leadership Summit at CDE! We love the collaboration on how to deliver on CA’s literacy and biliteracy promise. Read more: cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr2…

Convened a literacy leadership summit to build momentum towards a new five year plan to insure students learn to read by third grade. We are launching a public-private partnership to secure the funds to have more dyslexia screening, high dose tutoring, phonics based instruction, and family engagement. Get in touch if you wish to support the effort at tthurmond@cde.ca.gov

Meet our #CAGreenRibbon Bronze Honoree: Bridges Charter School! From native shade trees & outdoor learning to garden-based nutrition and hands-on habitat restoration, BCS connects students to nature while building healthy, sustainable futures.

🔗 Educators can register their classrooms virtually here: tinyurl.com/CDE-Angel-Isla…

📢 Happening tomorrow! 📢 In recognition of #AAPIHeritageMonth, California classrooms can register to a special live program from Angel Island to highlight how schools can engage with a powerful site of immigration history through the California State Parks PORTS Program.

Meet our #CAGreenRibbon Gold Honoree: Waldorf School Orange County! 🌿 From equitable access & carpool initiatives to parent wellness programs and hands-on environmental learning, WSOC nurtures the whole child through sustainability, community, and connection. 🌎🌱📚

Good morning! In case you missed the news late last week, our next State Board meeting kicks off May 12 at 8:30 a.m. in Sacramento. All the details you need to know can be found here: cde.ca.gov/be/ag/ag/yr26/… We hope to see you!

Today is #NationalTeacherDay, part of National Teacher Appreciation Week! Spread the word and show your appreciation! 🍎🌟

The CDE sends our heartfelt thanks to all California school nutrition heroes who are using their skills and creativity to develop delicious recipes for kids at school. Fresher, healthier meals can help students succeed! #SchoolLunchHeroDay ⚡️🦸‍♂️💪

🎉 Meet our #CAGreenRibbon Bronze Achiever: Theodore Roosevelt Elementary (Burbank USD)! 🌿 From native gardens & turf replacement to wellness programs and NGSS‑aligned learning, TRES turns its campus into a living laboratory for sustainability.

Register today at tinyurl.com/CDE-Angel-Isla…

California educators and educational partners are invited to join us on May 6 to highlight how schools can engage with a powerful site of immigration history through @CAStateParks distance learning @portsprogram. Teachers are encouraged to register their classrooms virtually!

🌱 Meet our #CAGreenRibbon Gold Award Honoree: Carl Sandburg Middle School (Glendora USD)! From transforming unused courts into the Spartan Garden to promoting wellness & green careers, CSMS shows how sustainability starts with community and vision. 🌿🏫

May 1 is School Principals Day! A big thank you to all the dedicated school principals who are committed to their staff and students. 🙌👏 Tell us what you love about your school principal!