California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Today, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond convened educators, advocates, and community leaders in Moreno Valley for a critical conversation on the growing crisis facing California’s unhoused students, especially unaccompanied youth.

Hosted by the Moreno Valley Unified School District, the town hall highlighted the importance of Assembly Bill 673, authored by Assemblymember Corey Jackson and sponsored by Superintendent Thurmond. The bill proposes the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program, a pilot initiative aimed at helping local educational agencies provide housing support and stability so students can stay engaged in school and on track to graduate.

Together, we are working towards solutions that ensure every student has the support they need to succeed!

Read more: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel21.asp and watch the full town hall recording on our page at https://www.facebook.com/CAEducation/videos/948872851056110

Today, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond held a press conference with the family attorney for Joseph Londono Rodriguez, a six-year-old Deaf child who was enrolled at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, when he was detained and deported with his mother under false pretenses and without access to their attorney. At the press event, Superintendent Thurmond shared a newly released video of Joseph that his mother, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, asked the CDE to share with the public.

In the video, the six-year-old boy can be seen drawing an airplane on a whiteboard and urgently using gestures and signs to try to communicate to his mother that he wants to return to the United States.

Read more (https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel17.asp) and watch the press event via our Facebook web page: https://www.facebook.com/CAEducation/videos/934631755941703

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond testified before the Assembly Education Committee yesterday as a sponsor of Assembly Bill 1631 (Muratsuchi), which would require students to complete one year of kindergarten before entering first grade.

Kindergarten is a critical entry point in a student’s educational journey. In his remarks, Superintendent Thurmond said AB 1631 represents a crucial step in strengthening the foundation for both academic success and consistent school engagement.

Kindergarten helps students develop familiarity with school routines, relationships with teachers and peers, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. These early learning experiences are important for establishing positive attendance habits and reducing the risk of chronic absenteeism. The bill is now headed to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

Opening doors and creating real opportunities for students! 🏫🍎

Congratulations to the 32 California schools selected for the California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award, as announced by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. This award program identifies and recognizes schools with exemplary dual enrollment programs and allows these schools to share the exemplary programs and practices that have contributed to their success.

Read more: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel18.asp

Learning that comes to life! 🚜🌾🌱

Today, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond provided remarks at the 98th annual California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario.

The event is a four‑day statewide leadership and career‑technical education (CTE) conference for high school students enrolled in agricultural education programs. The California Association FFA is one of the most successful CTE programs in the state. Students consistently express how impactful and meaningful FFA has been for them, not just raising livestock. Students in FFA gain critical opportunities in leadership development, public speaking, problem solving, entrepreneurship, and technical knowledge in many robust fields like water issues, welding, crop science, and more.

Superintendent Thurmond has championed CTE opportunities by securing additional funding and professional development to expand the program. CTE programs like FFA increase student engagement in school by involving students as decision-makers and owners of their education process.

A great opportunity to develop leadership skills, influence positive change, and help build a stronger, more vibrant community for all youth. If you're between the ages of 14–25 years old, a California resident, and ready to serve a two-year term, apply to be a California Youth Empowerment Commissioner! California Department of Education

Find out more and apply at https://bit.ly/4sxUcOP.

The CDE mourns the passing of Betty Reid Soskin, a pioneering civil rights activist, historian, and national treasure whose life reshaped how generations understand our shared history. In 2021, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was honored to appoint Ms. Soskin as an Ambassador to California Education, recognizing her lifelong commitment to truth, justice, and inclusive storytelling. In 2016 during his time as an Assemblymember, Thurmond honored her as an unsung hero during Black History Month.

As the nation’s oldest living National Park Ranger at the time, Betty transformed public history by ensuring the stories of Black Americans, women, and working families were no longer overlooked. Her voice, wisdom, and courage will continue to inspire educators and students across California. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those touched by her extraordinary legacy. 🕊️

Visit this news release from 2021 when Superintendent Thurmond appointed Betty as an Ambassador to California Education: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr21/yr21rel69.asp

Legendary football coach John Beam showed generations of students in Oakland that their circumstances did not define their future, that hard work creates opportunity, and that education is the ultimate path to freedom. I joined faculty and staff of Laney College and Oakland city officials Wednesday for a tribute walk honoring Coach Beam’s legacy, which will live on for generations to come.

Hate has no place in our schools or our communities.

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today condemned the recent “human swastika” incident at Branham High School in San Jose, calling it a horrendous act that is appalling on every level: “We must all stand together in condemning this clear instance of hate speech. Acts like this threaten the safety and well-being of both our students and staff.”

👏 Honoring 25 Years of State Service! 🎉✨

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the CDE today honored and recognized the outstanding contributions and dedication of our CDE employees who have served 25 years of state service.

Your contributions have been the backbone of California’s public education system and state government. Thank you for your commitment and resilience!