See a one-page overview of the entire California Department of Education (CDE) with branches and divisions (PDF; 22KB; 1p.)
For telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of employees, visit the online CDE Staff Telephone Directory.
Executive Office
Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Director of Education
Gavin Payne, Chief Deputy Superintendent
- Office of the State Superintendent
Responsible for developing policy, advising the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on education issues, and assisting in the administration of the California Department of Education. - Waiver Office
Provides assistance for local educational agencies to request a waiver of the California Ed Code, Title 5 Regulations, or the federal No Child Left Behind Program from the State Board of Education. - Office of Equal Opportunity
Branches and Divisions
Assessment & Accountability Branch - Deborah Sigman, Deputy Superintendent
Oversees programs that promote district and school accountability for improving student achievement. Programs range from testing and school recognition to education data and technology.
- Accountability & Improvement Division
- Data Management Division
- Policy & Evaluation Division
- Standards & Assessment Division
Curriculum & Instruction Branch - Anthony Monreal, Deputy Superintendent
The Curriculum and Instruction Branch is composed of seven divisions that encompass the full continuum of education and related services in the California public schools. The work of these divisions impacts individuals from early childhood to older adulthood.
- Child Development Division
- Curriculum Frameworks & Instructional Resources Division
- Language Learner & Support Division
- Learning Support & Partnerships Division
- Professional Development & Curriculum Support Division
- Secondary, Postsecondary & Adult Leadership Division
- Special Education Division
Finance, Technology & Administration Branch - Susan Lange, Deputy Superintendent
Oversees the CDE budget, accounting, information systems, and personnel services; apportionment of state and federal resources to local educational agencies (LEAs); and assistance to LEAs for fiscal and business aspects of public schools.
- Fiscal & Administrative Services Division
- Personnel Services Division
- School Fiscal Services Division
- Technology Services Division
Government Affairs Branch - Andrea Ball, Deputy Superintendent
The Government Affairs Branch develops and advances the legislative and fiscal policy priorities of the CDE, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education. The branch is responsible for providing information and expertise on state and federal policy and fiscal issues and for advocating before the state Legislature and Congress. The branch also initiates and maintains contact with public interest groups concerning the CDE’s goals and programs.
Legal & Audits Branch - Marsha Bedwell,
General Counsel
Advises and represents the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the California Department of Education, and the State Board of Education on legal matters.
- Administrative Support & Regulations Adoption
- Audits & Investigations Division
- Legal Division
- Categorical Programs Complaints Management
Policy Development & External Affairs Branch - Rick Miller, Deputy Superintendent
Identifies best practices and develops strategies to better share solutions with practitioners. The branch seeks to identify and alleviate roadblocks to success that may exist due to current state law or practice. In addition, the branch also oversees external communications for the Department.
School & District Operations Branch - William Ellerbee, Deputy Superintendent
Plays a unique role in supporting comprehensive education programs throughout the state by removing barriers to success and facilitating the development of positive learning environments in California schools.
