Transforming Schools Initiative
The California Department of Education (CDE) is using recent investments in public education to transform California schools. State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond’s Transforming Schools Initiative (TSI) is intended to address educational inequities, learning loss, and the social-emotional needs of our students. As we look to transform our schools, it is critical that we integrate new programs and strategies to support our students, families, educators, and local educational agencies (LEAs).
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the LEAs across the state currently operating 538 magnet schools or who have implemented magnet programs as part of their traditional school setting. This is a perfect time to highlight and bring awareness to this pioneering educational alternative and its alignment with the TSI. To learn more about Superintendent Thurmond’s sponsored initiatives, please visit the Transforming Schools: Superintendent’s Initiatives web page.
Celebrating California’s 2022–23 National Award-Winning Magnet Schools
Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is a national nonprofit education association whose members are schools and school districts. The association organizes professional development events, provides technical assistance, and sponsors a national awards program.
During its National Conference on Magnet Schools in April 2023, MSA announced its 2022–23 award recipients. The CDE applauds the following distinguished California MSA awardees:
- North Hollywood High School Zoo Magnet, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, California—Awarded the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Merit Award of Excellence, MSA’s most prestigious award for magnet schools. The North Hollywood High School Zoo Magnet inspires and develops students’ interests in biological and zoological sciences by providing relevant, hands-on instruction to extend learning beyond the classroom. The Zoo Magnet is recognized by the American Association of Zookeepers as one of only six high schools in the nation partnered with a working zoo. The close proximity and ongoing collaboration with the Los Angeles Zoo, Autry Museum of the American West, and Griffith Park Rangers facilitates implementation of unique internships, animal science courses, and interdisciplinary, magnet-themed curriculum. *
- Chatsworth Park Urban Planning and Community Development Magnet Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District, Chatsworth, California—Awarded the New & Emerging Magnet School of Merit Award of Excellence. Chatsworth Park Urban Planning and Community Development (UP/CD) Magnet serves 385 students kindergarten through fifth grade in Chatsworth, California. Chatsworth Park UP/CD Magnet strives to engage students in inspiring and challenging curriculum that will provide them with the 21st Century skills to be college, career, and world ready as well as responsible community advocates. Their focus is to nurture students who will better understand the relationship between urban planning and community issues. Chatsworth Park UP/CD Magnet embraces Project Based Learning (PBL) as an authentic learning methodology while providing students opportunities in differentiation of process and product. Chatsworth Park UP/CD Magnet also integrates innovative technology into PBL to engage and excite students in their learning. *
*Magnet Schools of America
, May 16, 2023
The CDE would like to highlight additional California magnet schools or programs in future newsletters and/or webinars. If you are interested in highlighting your LEA, send an email with “Magnet School/Program” in the subject line to eoo@cde.ca.gov, and let the CDE know if you prefer a newsletter acknowledgement or an opportunity to showcase your magnet school/program in a webinar.
National Magnet School Month
February is National Magnet School Month. This is an opportunity to raise awareness and create excitement for magnet schools. MSA puts together a digital toolkit to support LEAs in celebrating their magnet schools and programs. For more information, visit the MSA How You Can Celebrate National Magnet School Month
web page.
- Student Poster Contest—As part of National Magnet School Month, MSA sponsors a Magnet Student Poster Contest. This is an opportunity for California’s magnet students in all grade levels to be a part of a nationwide educational project and help promote magnet schools throughout the country. For information on the 2024 poster contest, keep an eye on the MSA National Magnet School Month Student Poster Contest
web page.
Resources*
This newsletter is compiled by the CDE Educational Options Office (EOO) to provide information and resources to local educational agencies, parents, and other interested parties. If you have an article, resource, or event you would like to share for the next quarterly issue, contact the EOO at eoo@cde.ca.gov.
* The resources contained herein are intended solely to provide access to information. The inclusion of an opportunity or resource is neither an endorsement nor recommendation by the CDE.