California Black Media

California Students Make Progress in Key Academic Areas, But Challenges Remain

On Oct. 10, the California Department of Education released its 2023-24 statewide assessment results showing promising but gradual progress within some key academic areas. The report highlights improvements, especially among Black and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, while overall scores remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Published

2 months ago

October 21, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Joe W. Bowers, California Black Media

Overall, the percentage of students statewide meeting or exceeding standards in English language arts (ELA) was 47%, up from 46.7% last year. Those reaching proficiency in mathematics were at 35.5%, from 34.6%. Science scores rose from 30.2% to 30.7%. Black/African American students showed the most improvement in third-grade math, with scores increasing by 0.9 percentage points. Socioeconomically disadvantaged students also saw notable gains, with a 1.5% increase in ELA and a 2.1% gain in math.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond praised the efforts of California’s schools and students, saying, “I commend California’s students and educators for their hard work and continued growth in academic achievement across the state. We know the high potential of all California’s students, and we still have a ways to go to ensure that every child is supported to build strong academic skills and access a bright future.”

Linda Darling-Hammond, President of the State Board of Education, emphasized the importance of continued investment in student success. “Today’s results suggest that California’s public schools are making encouraging gains in all of the key subject areas, and these gains are largest for our most vulnerable groups of students,” she said.

Despite the progress, overall student performance remains a concern. Vernon M. Billy, CEO of the California School Boards Association, stressed the need for more rapid and widespread improvement. “Despite incremental improvement of less than half a percentage point in English Language Arts (ELA) and less than one percentage point in Mathematics, overall student performance remains below pre-pandemic levels — which were already unacceptable,” Billy said.

He also expressed concern over the sustainability of improvements as COVID-19 relief funds expire in 2025, which provided critical support for interventions like tutoring and expanded learning programs. “It’s high time the state’s investment and focus match our rhetoric, so California schools can prepare all students, regardless of background, for success in college, career, and civic life,” Billy concluded.

Maintaining momentum beyond the pandemic will require continued investment and innovation to close the persistent achievement gaps affecting California’s most vulnerable students.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

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California Takes Steps to Address Rising Homelessness Among Aging Adults

The lack of accessible and available housing, health-related behaviors, medical problems, social isolation, and limited resources are some of the root causes of homelessness and poverty among aging Californians. Speaking on own her behalf — not representing CCoA — Brown said more alternatives for affordable housing and services would provide a much-needed safety net for older adults in the state.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

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Shutterstock. Los Angeles, CA. USA: 2024 August 01: Homeless, unhoused people living in an encampment, temporary shelters and tents on the sidewalk.

By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌, California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has published a Housing Policy Brief that offers recommendations for reducing housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults in California.

The brief summarizes a more in-depth report titled “Housing Those Hardest Hit: Addressing Older Adult Homelessness.” It also includes seven actionable recommendations to mitigate older adult homelessness in three settings: permanent housing, independent housing, and assisted living.

“Expanding housing capacity across all settings in the older adult continuum of care is critical as our state confronts the pressing issues of housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults,” stated CCoA Executive Director Karol Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she emphasized.

The CCoA serves as the principal advocating body for older Californians, and it administers programs that support and celebrate Californians as they age. In addition, the CCoA advises the Governor and Legislature, along with state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services that affect older adults in the state.

From 2017 to 2022, the number of adults aged 55-64 who accessed homelessness services across California increased by over 90%, while the number of adults over 65 in the state, overall, increased by over 166% – exceeding any other age group, according to the report.

According to CCoa, the commission blends housing solutions within a comprehensive continuum of care, presenting policymakers with targeted strategies that accommodate the diverse housing and supportive service needs of older adults.

Efforts to address homelessness is now one of CCoA’s top priorities, says Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she added.

In 1990, 11% of the homeless population was over the age of 50 while in 2023 older adults represented nearly half of the state’s homeless population. Among this population, 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Point-in-Time Count, 38,028 adults aged 55 and older experienced homelessness in California in 2023. Furthermore, the report stated that 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), who just completed a six-year term as chairperson of the CCoA, said there must be policies in place to “remedy the problem” of older adults becoming homeless in the state.

“We need to go back to square one and come up with some policies that would help older adults have options,” Brown said. “It’s a tragedy that these people have paid into the system (taxes, social security), and did it the right way, and they still need these services.”

In the policy brief, the CCoA presents seven recommendations to mitigate aging adult homelessness. They are exploring a statewide subsidy for older adults at-risk of homelessness; developing a state homeshare program; expanding ministerial approval for smaller assisted living facilities; reforming housing laws; expanding assisted living waivers; and funding community care suggestions.

Editorial Note: California Black Media will follow up this article with more investigations into the lived experiences of older adults impacted by the of homelessness and housing insecurity crisis in the state.