Latest news with #SenateBill48
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Expanding Dyslexia Training When Teachers Need It Most
ATLANTA, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy is partnering with the University of California and California State University's leading literacy researchers, led by Dr. Maryanne Wolf and Dr. Laura Rhinehart, to provide expanded coursework for educators focused on serving children with dyslexia. The Rollins Center will be making this content available through their free online professional development platform, Cox Campus. Cox Campus, launched in 2014, serves more than 367,000 members in all 50 states and 130 countries internationally, providing evidence-based professional learning for educators across the sciences of healthy brain development, language acquisition and literacy. To date, more than 1.2M courses have been completed at no cost to teachers – a fair market value of $180M into the field of education. For teachers across the United States, release of this coursework aligns with a recent focus on the science of reading and literacy instruction. In recent years, states have advanced legislation aimed at improving reading proficiency in kindergarten through third grade by requiring high-quality instructional materials, tiered reading interventions, and comprehensive teacher training in structured literacy. These efforts reflect a broader recognition of a troubling national reality; only about one-third of students nationwide are reading proficiently by the end of third grade-a clear call for urgent, systemic change. In 2019, Georgia took a major step toward improving literacy outcomes by passing Senate Bill 48 (SB 48), which laid the groundwork for statewide dyslexia legislation. Now fully in effect as of the 2024–2025 school year, the law requires all public schools to screen all kindergarten students for dyslexia, as well as first through third graders who show indicators of dyslexia. This legislation and its full implementation this year highlight Georgia's commitment to early identification and intervention. But identifying students with dyslexia is only the beginning. With dyslexia awareness now required of every public school, it is essential that educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively teach and support students with these learning differences. The dyslexia coursework that will be offered for teachers on Cox Campus was co-authored by Dr. Wolf, an internationally renowned cognitive neuroscientist, educator, and leading expert in the science of reading and dyslexia. Dr. Wolf collaborated with Dr. Rhinehart, a distinguished educator and expert in literacy and language development. Together, they worked in partnership with leading researchers from the University of California and California State University systems, spanning the fields of general, special, and bilingual education. The resulting courses are designed specifically to address dyslexia within the broader context of supporting diverse learners through effective, inclusive instruction. The universities have chosen to release these courses on for two reasons — it is available at no cost to districts or educators, and it is the only free platform accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. Committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, and devoted to literacy and justice for all, Drs. Wolf and Rhinehart believe that the reach of Cox Campus (more than 360,000 members in all fifty states and more than 130 countries) provides an unmatched opportunity to change the trajectory of reading instruction, and by extension, the lives of countless children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to decide their own futures. The Georgia Department of Education has just finalized the list of approved dyslexia screeners and selected one that will be made free to Georgia Public Schools. Paired with the current structured literacy coursework on Cox Campus, this expanded focus on dyslexia will position Georgia teachers — and teachers everywhere — to build and deepen necessary knowledge to change literacy outcomes for all children. Learn more and access free dyslexia training at Join a growing community of educators committed to changing literacy outcomes for every child. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Newsweek
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
California Republican Opposes ICE in Schools
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Republican candidate for governor of California is breaking with party lines by backing a state bill proposed by Democrats that would bar federal immigration authorities from operating in schools. Senate Bill 48 prevents school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools from allowing immigration authorities access to school campuses without a valid judicial warrant or court order. "I endorse Senate Bill 48 because children should feel no fear of going to school under any circumstances," Republican Kyle Langford told Newsweek. Why It Matters Since the beginning of President Donald Trump's second term, thousands of migrants have been arrested. Under the administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has gained expanded enforcement powers, including the right to conduct raids in schools and other sensitive locations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo in January that overturned the policy. Critics say such raids sow fear in vulnerable communities. What To Know SB48 also prohibits the release of student records or personal information to immigration authorities without proper legal authorization, safeguarding the privacy and security of students and their families. "Law enforcement has alternative methods to monitor undocumented individuals and I will empower them with accurate data to do their job," Langford said. Langford, a native of San Jose, California, and a graduate of Lake Oswego High School, has a professional background that includes roles as a construction manager and executive director of the California First PAC. His remarks are at odds with the state's GOP, as California Senate Republicans oppose the bill, arguing that the legislation prioritizes political agendas over the safety and security of California residents. "This bill is a distraction. Rather than focusing on what the state can do to keep Californians safe, Democrat legislators are once again prioritizing national political fights. They should be careful not to take their battle against the federal government too far and jeopardize safety and critical funding for our state and schools," Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones told Newsweek. It comes amid heightened concerns in the sanctuary state over federal authorities targeting children. Immigration advocates hold a rally in Sacramento to protest President Donald Trump's plans to conduct mass deportation of immigrants without legal status. Immigration advocates hold a rally in Sacramento to protest President Donald Trump's plans to conduct mass deportation of immigrants without legal status. Haven Daley/AP DHS agents were refused entry to two Los Angeles elementary schools in April after arriving unannounced and attempting to contact five undocumented students, according to school officials. Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said the agents claimed their visit was to check on the student's well-being, but school staff reported the agents also tried to mislead them by falsely stating the families had authorized the contact. What People Are Saying Kyle Langford told Newsweek: "Let me be clear, creating undue fear and anxiety within California's schools is completely unacceptable." John Fabbricatore, a retired ICE field office director in Colorado, told Newsweek: "They didn't get rid of it so they could go into schools and churches. They got rid of it so they could actually go into just a regular neighborhood." Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, said: "No federal agency has the authority, short of a judicial warrant, that means the equivalent of a criminal subpoena to enter our schools. We will protect our kids. We will educate our kids. SB48 states: "It would prohibit school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools and their personnel from granting permission to an immigration authority to access a school site, producing a pupil for questioning by an immigration authority at a school site, or consenting to a search of any kind at a school site by an immigration authority, unless the immigration authority presents a valid judicial warrant or court order." What Happens Next The California gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amid federal pushback, Gov. Lujan Grisham enacts climate change funding bill
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has through April 11 to sign or veto remaining legislation. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed into law Senate Bill 48, the Community Benefit Fund, which contains $210 million for communities to use for a series of projects to mitigate climate change impacts. These include: train workers in the oil and gas industry for other jobs; reduce oil and gas emissions; improve the electric grid; develop renewable energy projects; modify public buildings to be more energy efficient; reduce the impacts of climate change on human health, agriculture and the environment; purchase electric vehicles and develop charging infrastructure. In a written statement Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center, called the law 'a step in the right direction.' 'With the federal government abandoning its responsibilities to the states, there is so much work to be done,' Schlenker-Goodrich said in the statement. 'The Community Benefits Fund provides hope that New Mexicans can step into the void and get it done.' Lujan Grisham signed the bill as the federal government makes moves to clamp down on state climate change work via an executive order signed earlier this week. Experts, however, say Trump's order violates the constitutional principles and would be unlikely to survive a court challenge. Lujan Grisham, in her capacity as co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, issued a joint statement with Co-Chair New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in response to Trump's order that said: 'The federal government cannot unilaterally strip states' independent constitutional authority. We are a nation of states — and laws — and we will not be deterred. We will keep advancing solutions to the climate crisis that safeguard Americans' fundamental right to clean air and water, create good-paying jobs, grow the clean energy economy, and make our future healthier and safer.' The governor on Thursday also signed Senate Bill 23, which raises oil and gas royalty rates on prime tracts of state lands in the Permian Basin from 20% to 25%. The change is expected to generate $50 million to $75 million in revenue for the state's land grant permanent fund which primarily pays out to schools, universities and hospitals. The last time the Legislature last updated royalty rates was in the 1970s. All told, Lujan Grisham signed an additional 22 bills into law Thursday, leaving 38 pieces of legislation in the balance, with one day left to act. Outstanding bills include House Bill 2, which contains the $10.8 billion dollar budget for the state government, and the list of capital outlay projects, which may see line-item vetos, striking a certain project or item and leaving the rest of the bill intact. So far, the governor has signed 157 bills into law — about 80% of the bills sent up to her desk — and vetoed two pieces of legislation. Lujan Grisham has until the end of Friday, April 11 to sign or veto legislation. Any unsigned bill after the deadline passes fails to become law, a power called the 'pocket veto.' A full list of the bills signed: House Bill 156: Increase Educational Salaries House Bill 157: New School Licenses House Bill 195: School Nurse Salary Tiers & Minimums House Bill 487: Protection Of Hispanic Education Senate Bill 11: Anti-Distraction Policy in Schools* Senate Bill 133: Educational Retirees Returning to Work Senate Bill 343: Teacher Salary Rates Changes Senate Bill 345: Teacher & Instructional Support Licensure House Bill 91: Public Utility Rate Structures House Bill 291: Recycling & State's Circular Economy Senate Bill 9: Pipeline Safety Act Violations Civil Penalty Senate Bill 23: Oil & Gas Royalty Rate Changes Senate Bill 42: Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Program* Senate Bill 45: County Health Care Assistance Fund Use Senate Bill 78: Certified Nurse Anesthetist Role House Bill 352: Close & Relocate Certain Magistrate Courts House Bill 493: Public Finance Accountability Act Senate Bill 31: Zero-Interest Natural Disaster Loans (includes a line-item veto that was unavailable as of publication) Senate Bill 36: Sensitive Personal Information Nondisclosure Senate Bill 47: Santa Cruz De La Canada Land Grant Senate Bill 48: Community Benefit Fund Senate Bill 124: Superintendent Of Insurance Subpoenas * Lujan Grisham's messages on SB11 and SB42 had not yet been published as of press time.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California bill seeks to limit ICE presence on school campuses
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday that he will present a bill that aims to limit the presence of ICE agents on school campuses. Under President Trump's executive order, ICE is now allowed to target migrants at sensitive locations, like schools and churches, for arrests and potential deportations. Trump won't ban immigration arrests at school. Some families are now weighing school attendance Senate Bill 48, authored by State Senate Lena Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) and sponsored by Thurmond, will 'address safety concerns of immigrant families and protect school funding that is projected to decline in some parts of the state as attendance is suppressed as undocumented individuals fear deportation consequences at school,' a news release said. 'We know that the fearmongering happening across our nation has disruptive impacts on children in our immigrant families, and it could cost California schools millions of dollars,' Thurmond said in a statement. California is one of a handful of states that still uses an average daily attendance system for attributing funding or the loss of funding to schools.' The bill is in direct protest to Trump's calls to lead mass deportation efforts at schools and houses of worship. In February, Angelenos held protests in response to Trump's crackdown on immigration and emphasis on deportation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Funding for electric school buses still possible
The Biden administration on Wednesday said it will provide funding to help school districts purchase clean school buses, most of them electric. Shown is a yellow electric school bus plugged into a charging station. (Photo by TW Farlow / Getty Images) A proposal to provide local school districts access to funds for electric school buses stalled in the Legislature, but money may still be available through the state budget. House Bill 32, which would have allowed school districts to replace traditional diesel school buses with electric or alternative fuel buses using funds from the Public Education Department, passed two House committees in February but has yet to be scheduled for a floor vote. However, President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) carried Senate Bill 48, which would establish a community benefit fund for projects that would help reduce emissions and address the state's climate change goals. Those projects include purchasing electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure for public entities — a category that includes public schools. SB48 passed and awaits Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's signature. As such, funding for electric school buses was added to the state budget in House Bill 2. According to the March 18 Senate Finance Committee report, $60 million will be allocated to the Public School Facilities Authority for electric vehicle charging infrastructure for local school districts. The report specifies that the funds are contingent on SB48 passing and can be used for upgrading diesel fuel school buses to ESBs between Fiscal Years 2026 and 2028. Shelley Mann-Lev, executive director for advocacy organization Healthy Climate NM, one of several advocacy groups to back the original bill, told Source NM that the addition to the state budget is 'an excellent step' toward getting more ESBs on the road and upgrading public school bus fleets. According to the fiscal impact report for HB32, diesel school buses cost an average of $420,000 while diesel school buses cost about $103,000 – electric charging infrastructure costs between $16,000 and $46,000. More than 100 ESBs could be purchased with $60 million at these average prices. Mann-Lev added that vehicle-to-grid, an agreement companies or agencies enter into with local electric utilities to sell back excess power, is not approved for school districts at this point. Advocates originally pointed to vehicle-to-grid as another option to offset the high cost of electric buses. The state budget was passed by the Senate Wednesday afternoon and awaits a concurrence vote from the Senate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
