The Education TrustWest

If you haven't yet, make sure to review our latest Equity Alert where we make recommendations to education leaders throughout the state. It's important to remember that we're in a pandemic right now, and students need recognition and grace. Read more here: http://bit.ly/equityalert #edequity

In our latest series of blog posts, Natalie Wheatfall-Lum, Director of P-16 Education Policy, shares which policies in the #CA Governor's budget proposal have the potential to create a stronger and fairer #K12 system. But she makes it clear - they'll be useless without an equity-first implementation. Take a look here: https://bit.ly/2Zw3n7c

In 2020, FAFSA completion rates declined by about 10%, while the #CADreamAct Application completion declined by 45% for freshman. We need to be #Allin4FinancialAid for ALL students and make sure that students are required apply for financial aid! bit.ly/Allin4FinancialAid

We've highlighted eight new ideas or proposed changes to existing programs or policies that could affect 10 million California students to promote #edequity. Take a look at our 2021 Equity 8 here: https://bit.ly/Equity8-21

Have you read our three-part series, in which ETW staff discusses Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal? Read our blog by Manny Rodriguez, Sr. Legislative Associate, to see how it will affect #highered in California: https://bit.ly/379cRcO

As we work to broaden access to financial aid, protect equitable education investments, and expand equitable math practices in CA classrooms, and more we’re also looking to expand our team and fill some important positions! Take a look: http://bit.ly/3lyR1oI

The #CADreamAct is a financial aid option for students who are undocumented or DACA recipients. In 2020, #CADreamAct apps declined by 45%. Going #Allin4FinancialAid will ensure that EVERY student, regardless of status, will complete their financial aid! bit.ly/Allin4FinancialAid

These eight pieces of policy stand to improve opportunity and access for students of color, students from lower-income communities, and English learners if decision-makers in Sacramento are encouraged to make them a reality! Read our Equity 8 here: https://bit.ly/Equity8-21

NEW RELEASE: we've updated our recent equity alert! Read how education leaders could offer support to students and families by enacting grading policies that prevent further disadvantaging students who are most vulnerable and hardest hit by the pandemic: bit.ly/equityalert

As California reemerges from the pandemic, we were especially eager to analyze the proposed state budget and legislation and identify the top eight greatest opportunities to advance #edequity and justice. Read our Equity 8 here: http://bit.ly/Equity8-21

By 2022, #CA will have the largest share of #STEM jobs across the U.S. California Governor's proposed #CAbudget investments in teacher residency programs is crucial for strengthening the teacher workforce to educate future #STEM leaders. More on STEM educators: bit.ly/STEMteacherpipeline

We're grateful for and inspired by Yvonne Munoz's deep commitment to improving education systems to better serve students of color. As Higher Education Senior Policy Analyst at ETW, not only does she understand the #EdEquity issues students are facing, she's lived them. More from @DiverseIssues: https://diverseeducation.com/article/201281/

Millions of California residents have lost jobs due to #COVID19. The #CaliforniansDeserveCredit campaign aims to ensure Californians are recognized for the learning they've done toward a degree, credential, or certificate that could lead to new job opportunities. Our latest brief highlights recommendations for making competency-based learning a reality: https://bit.ly/2K5fqE0

#NowListening: Ellevation Education released a podcast featuring a conversation with Rachel Ruffalo and two math equity toolkit content developers, Malane Morales-Van Hecke and Jose Franco. Check it out: https://bit.ly/3phVFbz

By 2022, California will have the largest share of the STEM workforce and jobs across the country. We need more STEM teachers who represent the diversity of our state to help educate tomorrow’s leaders. bit.ly/STEMteacherpipeline

This unprecedented and challenging year has presented an opportunity to think differently about how our systems operate. Our efforts to prioritize education equity for California's most impacted students continue- check out our latest resources to learn more: https://west.edtrust.org//from-crisis-to-opportunity-reco/

Ever taken a class and found you already knew the content, already had the skills? The time and money it takes to pass the class could bar qualified workers from opportunity. Competency-based learning can help California close racial and equity gaps, #competencybasedlearning reduces #cahighered barriers by counting all learning. #CaliforniansDeserveCredit https://west.edtrust.org//californians-deserve-credit-rec/

As the fight for educational justice continues, we’re looking for equity-minded advocates to join our growing team. Check out our Communications Manager and External Relations Associate positions: bit.ly/etwjobs

People learn new things all the time. So why only count what happens in a classroom? Competency-based learning can help California close racial and equity gaps, It’s time we considered #competencybasedlearning in #cahighered and recognized the hard-earned knowledge gained on the job or in our everyday lives. #CaliforniansDeserveCredit https://west.edtrust.org//californians-deserve-credit-rec/

"Though we are one tool short, we will not be deterred from addressing the systemic barriers faced by students, especially students of color and students from low-income backgrounds." Elisha Smith Arrillaga responds to #Prop16 outcome: https://bit.ly/3p11mvk

WE’RE HIRING: We’re looking for equity-minded advocates to join our growing team. To learn more about our open positions, visit https://west.edtrust.org/who-we-are/jobs/

Despite all the evidence that race affects educational opportunity, it is likely that over 100k Black & Latinx students are denied much needed additional support. #Prop16 can change that. Learn more in a new blog post by Natalie Wheatfall-Lum of ETW https://west.edtrust.org/prop-16-a-generational-opportunit/

Election day is tomorrow! Vote YES on #Prop16 to create an educator workforce that reflects our diverse #K12 student body and welcomes more teachers like José into #STEM classrooms! Forthcoming research takes a deeper dive stay tuned! #EdEquityOnTheBallot

Vote YES on #Prop16 to create an educator workforce that reflects our diverse K-12 student body and welcomes more teachers like José into STEM classrooms! Forthcoming research takes a deeper dive stay tuned! #EdEquityOnTheBallot

Voting YES on #Prop16 will benefit all corners of education! Tune into the latest EdSource podcast where ETW Executive Director Elisha Smith Arrillaga highlights the impacts Prop 16 can have for increasing k-12 teacher diversity and providing targeted support for students of color http://edsource.org/podcast

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of our #BlackMindsMatter report, and we are still fighting hurdles that have stalled education equity for Black students in California. We all have a role to play in this fight - vote YES on #Prop16 to prioritize racial equity for years to come! #EdEquityOnTheBallot www.blackmindsmatter.org