Back to School

By Daniel O’Brien Back to school. Those three little words that can evoke such a variety of emotions in us all: from excitement to anxiety, anticipation to fear. And were not just talking about the students! Yes, it’s that time again. The new school year is starting. Maybe it’s just begun for you or perhaps […]

Forty Years of Independent Study

We are very excited to begin this new editorial feature from CCIS. Our hope is to provide interesting and informative topics for our membership, educators and administrators as well as others in the Independent Study community. We will explore a variety of subjects relevant to the challenges and concerns of everyone involved with independent study. […]

AB 318: Your Voice Has Been Heard!

You made your voice heard! The committee’s analysis on AB 318 deemed it expensive and it went to the suspense file. It will be heard with the other suspense measures next Thursday or Friday. Senate Committee on Appropriations Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair 2017 – 2018 Regular Session AB 318 (Caballero)- Pupil instruction:  independent study:  visual […]

Why You Should Oppose AB 318

AB 318 by Assemblywoman Caballero is a measure that we should all oppose.  It is a legislative effort to apply a one-size fits all approach to Independent Study programs across the state.  The measure will be heard in the Senate Education Committee next Wednesday.  Please weigh in with Ms. Caballero and the Senate Education Committee […]

Meet your new 2016-2017 CCIS Board

We are excited to announce the individuals that are serving on the 2016-2017 CCIS Board. We’re looking forward to a great year. President: Jody Graf, Executive Director of Visions In Education in Carmichael. Vice President: Jolene Dougherty, Principal Alternative Education in the Capistrano Unified School District in San Juan Capistrano. Past President: Machele Kilgore, Principal Pacific Coast High […]

INACOL highlights opportunities for advancing personalized learning and competency education through ESSA

The new K-12 federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), gives states increased flexibility over assessment, accountability and use of funding. In this presentation, Susan Patrick and Lillian Pace of iNACOL identify key themes in ESSA, provide an overview of the implementation timeline and highlight opportunities for advancing personalized learning and competency education.

LAO Recommends Extending ‘Districts of Choice’ Law

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) recently released its evaluation of the State’s School District of Choice (DOC) program and recommended the Legislature and Governor extend the program for five years. The DOC law was enacted in 1993 and allows a school district to declare itself a “District of Choice” and enroll students that live in […]

President Obama signs Every Student Succeeds Act

Calling a bipartisan bill signing a “Christmas miracle,” President Barack Obama wasted no time signing the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, titled the Every Student Succeeds Act, which the Senate had overwhelming approved less than 24 hours earlier.

Governor Signs the Other CAHSEE Exemption Bill

It is worth noting that the Governor signed SB 172 (Liu), suspending the administration of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) for the next three school years. Specifically, the bill: Suspends passing the CAHSEE as a graduation requirement for the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 school years Requires the governing body of a school district, […]

Anti-Vaxxers Fail to Force Issue on 2016 Ballot (so far…)

The Secretary of State’s office reports that an effort led by a group supporting a referendum of SB 277 (Pan/Allen) has failed to submit the minimum number of required signatures by the required date to place the measure on the November 2016 ballot. SB 277 was signed by Governor Brown in June and removes the […]
CCIS - California Consortium for Independent Study