SCOE Spotlight
Volume 2 Issue 1 2019 Review
N E W S & U PDAT E S F R O M S O L AN O C O U N T Y O F F I C E O F E D U CAT I O N
Celebrating SCOE’s Teacher & Classified Employee of the Year
What did SCOE get done this year?
Looking back at the accomplishments of 2019
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
In A Nutshell SCOE Provides • High-need special education services and transportation • District staff training, professional development, and technical assistance and support • Juvenile court and community school programs at Solano County Juvenile Detention facility and Golden Hills Education Centers • Student wellness, and early learning training for educators and community members • Workforce development/college and career readiness, and student enrichment programs for Solano students
SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER Welcome to the first issue of the 2020 volume of SCOE Spotlight. This January, we reflected upon the goals and accomplishments of 2019, questioning, “what did we get done for Solano students and educators?” In this issue, we captured a few highlights of 2019 that were not included in our Annual Report. Our hope is to continually answer the commonly asked question, “What does SCOE do?” A common misperception is that SCOE governs school districts in Solano County. While SCOE provides districts with essential operational support services and fiscal oversight, governance of each district lies with each respective school board. SCOE serves Solano County’s most vulnerable students who need intensive support and individualized learning plans. This includes our work with Juvenile Probation, Court and Community schools, and high-need special education students. As you will see in this issue, the scope of SCOE’s work goes far beyond business support and specialized education. SCOE collaborates with community groups, businesses, and local educators to enrich the wellness and educational experiences of students across Solano County. Through this work, we stay focused on our vision to prepare students to learn, grow, thrive, and achieve lifelong success.
Lisette Estrella-Henderson Solano County Superintendent of Schools 2
Solano County Office of Education’s Priority Areas • High Quality Teaching & Learning Environments • Job Readiness & Skill Development • Education Advocacy & Leadership • Equity & Enrichment for All Students • Student Safety & Wellness • Fiscal Stability for Solano School Districts
Miss An Issue? Click the cover to catch other great SCOE stories and highlights in the Annual Report and Q4 issues of the SCOE Spotlight.
SCOE Spotlight
2019 Review
SCOE Teacher & Classified Employee of the Year SCOE Teacher of the Year Katherine Reyes, is a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program teacher for Solano County Office of Education, with classes placed at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield. She has been a SCOE teacher since 2012. According to her colleagues, Katherine is thoughtful and articulate in presenting her curricula and experiences to her students. She easily builds rapport with students and challenges them to be their best. Ms. Reyes builds on student strengths and interests, assuming every student she teaches will graduate with a diploma and more. She incorporates Deaf Advocacy agencies into her lesson plans to expose students to possibilities beyond high school, and build students’ capacities to become active citizens in their communities. Being deaf herself, Ms. Reyes passionately advocates for her students’ specialized needs, and works to develop a better understanding of Deaf community perspectives with school staff, general education students, and community members. She is a great resource to her students, SCOE, and community she serves. Congratulations Katherine!
SCOE Classified Employee of the Year Mike Kohl, has worked as a SCOE maintenance custodian since 2009 and is an exemplary employee. His positive and upbeat spirit make him a joy to work with. He is vigilant and goes well above his call of duty to make sure that SCOE’s Main Office is clean and welcoming for staff and guests. He works hard to know the dynamic conference room schedule and the needs of the groups using the spaces. Mike is always willing to jump in to help anyone at a moment’s notice. Mike takes great pride in himself and his workmanship, is always willing to lend a hand to help others, and truly cares for the work he does and those he serves. Mike often refers to doing work the correct way as “the SCOE way,” and insists that others do as well. He leads by dedication, hard work, and example, and is an inspiration to those around him. Congratulations Mike!
OPERATION RECOGNITION Please join us in granting retroactive & posthumous high school diplomas to veterans who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, or World War II, and Japanese-Americans relocated to internment camps during World War II. March 5 th, 2020 • 3:00-4:00 PM 5100 Business Center Dr., Fairfield • RSVP to PIO@solanocoe.net
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SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
What did SCOE
get done last year?
A few of the accomplishments not mentioned in the Annual Report
1. High-Quality Teaching & Learning Environments A high-quality learning environment significantly and positively impacts students’ educational outcomes. Fostering healthy, safe, and nurturing learning environments with a collaborative culture amongst educators results in higher functioning schools. SCOE works actively with educators and community groups to further professional learning and skill development, develop multi-tiered systems of support for students, and improve early learning through work with families and care facilities.
Growing Educator Capacity Using Communication Tools The Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, allows children with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. The primary goal of PECS is to teach functional communication. In 2019, SCOE led several trainings on various stages and uses of PECS, empowering educators to better understand and support the learning of non-verbal students.
Makerspace to Support Project-Based Learning SCOE opened a makerspace in 2019 at the Golden Hills Community School Fairfield campus. The space gives students the opportunity to learn robotics, coding, and develop projects to demonstrate understanding of various concepts. Hands-on learning is another way that students can experience and explore new ideas and curriculum
Evergreen Academy Receives Accreditation Renewal The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) granted a sixyear accreditation to Evergreen Academy serving students in the Solano County Juvenile Detention Facility. This accreditation ensures that highquality and meaningful education is being provided to our students. Students in Evergreen Academy can complete high school and earn a high school diploma. Approximately twenty students graduated with accredited diplomas in 2019, and we look forward to future accomplishments for our students.
Community Partnerships Improving Educational Outcomes Solano County Office of Education staff served on a multitude of commitees, councils, and collaborative groups focused on improving educational outcomes for young people, 0-26 years of age. Some of these advisory groups include:
Quality Counts Solano Consortium • Solano College Child Development & Family Studies Advisory Council • Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Collaborative • Napa Solano Teaching Pyramid Leadership Team • Solano Oral Health Advisory Committee • Home Visit Community Advisory Board • Solano College & Brandman University Advisory Councils • Solano Kids Thrive • Local Child Care Planning Council • Solano County Foster Youth Educational Planning Team • Help Me Grow Solano Advisory Team • Association of California School Administrators - Region 4 • Children’s Alliance, • Solano Adult Education Consortium • Opioid Safety Coalition • Solano Faith Community Network • Foster Youth Network • Mental Health Services Act Steering Committee • Racial & Ethnic Disparity Workgroup • Solano Community Disability Services Program Advisory Committee • Solano County Equity Alliance • Solano County Interagency Team • Student Services Network
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SCOE Spotlight
2019 Review
2. Job Readiness & Skill Development Transition Partnership Program Transition Partnership Program (TPP) is a collaborative contract with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Solano County Office of Education (SCOE). The purpose of TPP is to provide preemployment transition services including employment preparation, job development and placement, follow up, and non-supported employment to students with disabilities. The TPP staff supply the auxiliary services necessary for the students/DOR clients to reach their employment goals. The DOR and SCOE cooperative agreement establishes a service relationship designed to provide the student/DOR client greater access to specialized services that meet the unique needs of the disabled population being served.
Out of School Youth Solano County Office of Education was awarded the Career in Focus – Out of School Youth (OSY) contract by the Workforce Development Board of Solano County. SCOE provides a comprehensive array of services that give enrollees the tools necessary to make sound decisions about their future and career choice. The program assists youth in completing graduation requirements and gaining valuable work experience that collectively lead to earning a living wage.
providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal and occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications verifying their competence.
WorkAbility I Programs The Solano County Office of Education WorkAbility I program promotes independent living and provides comprehensive preemployment worksite training, employment, and follow up services for youth in special education who are making the transition from school to work. The programs serve both middle school and high school students, providing career exploration, selfdetermination, and self-advocacy training. The secondary program assists students with the actual transition from high school.
2019
201 youth in specical
education completed the Transition Partnership Program
(77 from SCOE, 14 from Benicia USD, 18 from Dixon USD, 58 from Fairfield-Suisun, 11 from Travis USD, 23 from Vacaville USD)
96 special education students completed the Workability I program
70 district students earned SCOE’s Work-Ready Certificate
145 students received paid work experience
Work-Ready Certificate Program The Work-Ready Certificate Program for students is a three week workshop providing over twenty hours of work related instruction and support. The program helps students locate job opportunities, learn interview skills, and develop a resume.
Workforce Development program VIDEO Solano County Office of Education
Construction Trades Class In 2019 SCOE launched the Introduction to Construction Trades class for incarcerated youth. The course provides an overview and introduction to the trades. Students learn carpentry, framing, basic electrical wiring, welding, and plumbing. Students also learn about careers in the construction trades. Coursework is project-based,
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SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
3. Education Advocacy & Leadership Educators across Solano County are shifting paradigms with a focus on professional development to enhance teaching strategies. We are reimagining what education looks like, especially for our students with unique needs. Supporting Solano County educators and administrators in professional learning and growth is a critical component to ensuring the success of Solano students. In 2019 , Solano County Office of Education facilitated a multitude of trainings and collaborative sessions for educators and community leaders.
Leadership Breakfast With California Superintendent Tony Thurmond SCOE’s third annual Solano State of Education Breakfast forum was the largest ever with 130 participants. Fifty-one elected officials were in attendance alongside Solano business leaders and educators. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined us as a keynote speaker. He expressed the importance of continuing our work to close the opportunity gaps and address mental health for all students and staff. Superintendent Thurmond also talked about the lack of funding for education in California. The annual forum brings school district superintendents and Solano leaders together to briefly share about developments happening for students in Solano County, and make community connections to further our partnerships, and collaborations for students.
SCOE Presents at the Center for Applied Special Technology in Boston, MA A team of SCOE leadership was asked to travel to Boston in 2019 to present on our work in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is designed to break down barriers to learning for all students by fostering equity in teaching plans. Implementation of UDL strategies is happening across Solano County, helping teachers make headway on closing the opportunity gap for students.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” - Alexander Den Heijer
Intervention Training for Educators Ready Bodies, Learning Minds In 2019, SCOE’s Special Education department hosted training for 40 people focused on Ready Bodies, Learning Minds (RBLM) concepts. (RBLM) looks at how sensory integration and motor control are connected to learning. RBLM delivers hands-on tools for therapists, teachers, and parents to assist all children in learning. According to the Ready Bodies, Learning Minds website, “Motor and sensory development provide the central nervous system with the ability to perform the many tasks necessary for academic achievement. Limited attention span, poor posture, difficulty sustaining equilibrium, poor coordination of sequential movements, restlessness, problems with spatial relationships, and slow academic progress are common signs of an immature neurological system. Ready Bodies, Learning Minds knowledge and strategies empowers educators to better understand and support the learning of special needs students. We look forward to continuing this important work.
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SCOE provided Brief Interventions (BI) trainings to build skills and capacity for Solano educators serving students. BI is a short-term counseling intervention aimed at adolescents who use alcohol and/ or drugs. Providing early and impactful interventions is a key component to longterm student wellness and success.
More Trainings for Educators Professional learning is key to improving student outcomes countywide. SCOE hosted dozens of trainings in 2019, on a variety of topics for educators. Some examples include: • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills • Reading & Writing Literacy Support • Unique Learning Systems • Evidence-Based Teaching Practices • Fostering Resilience in Students • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention • Picture Exchange Communication Systems • Equity with Universal Design for Learning • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) • Trauma Informed Teaching • Youth Mental Health First Aid
SCOE Spotlight
2019 Review
4. Equity & Enrichment for Students SCOE Enrichment Events for Students in 2019 • Academic Decathlon • Art Faire • Attendance Awareness Art Competition • Girls In Robotics Leadership Camp • Regional Spelling Bee • Science and Engineering Fair • Short Film Camp • Solano Youth Summit • STEAM Student Showcase
Academic Decathlon Academic Decathlon promotes learning and academic excellence through multidisciplinary academic competitions for students. SCOE hosted more than 250 high school students representing four counties in the North Bay Regional Academic Decathlon at Solano Community College. Additional partners for the event included Travis Credit Union, 95.3 KUIC, Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, and Mujeres Ayundando La Raza. SCOE then went on to help coordinate the California Academic Decathlon including over 600 students from sixty high schools across the state. These opportunities help students excel academically and build confidence throughout their educational careers.
Youth Development Through Solano Friday Night Live The mission of the Solano Friday Night Live Partnership (SFNLP) is to build collaborations for positive and healthy youth development, and engage youth as active leaders and resources in their communities. Solano County Office of Education works with the California Friday Night Live Partnership (CFNLP) and is committed to the belief that a youth development framework, which is inclusive, comprehensive, youthdriven, and founded on current research, will improve the lives of young people and the communities in which they live. SFNLP has three programs: Friday Night Live for high school-age youth, Club Live for middle school-age youth, Friday Night Live Kids for upper elementary-age youth. Students involved in the SFNLP programs work toward alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention in youth. They address other social issues in their school and community as well. The programs provide young people with the skills, support, opportunities, and competencies they need to become healthy, productive adults.
The FNL programs provide young people with the skills, support, opportunities, and competencies they need to become healthy, productive adults.
In 2019, SFNLP actively advocated for positive change, by participating in discussion panels, youth-led research, and prevention seminars. Their leadership will continue in these efforts throughout the school year.
Regional Spelling Bee SCOE’s 43rd Annual Solano County Elementary School Spelling Bee helped students build confidence and a strong vocabulary that will serve them well in later years. Preparing for the Spelling Bee goes beyond memorization. 4th-6th grade students develop soft skills like perseverance, hard work, public speaking and passion. Fifty schools participated this year, with first and second place winners earning a trophy and advancement as Solano County’s representatives to the California Elementary School Spelling Bee Championship. The annual competition shapes the habit of lifelong learning in our young students, and we look forward to many more to come.
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SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
5. Student Safety & Wellness Youth Mental Health First Aid Youth Mental Health First Aid Training teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth up to age 18. In 2019, SCOE staff members became certified as instructors for these important courses, allowing SCOE to provide courses for the Solano community. A course for community members was held in 2019, with three more free courses being offered in 2020.
Vaping Prevention Presentations for Parents SCOE’s Solano Youth Coalition is committed to tobacco prevention, and provided several parent and community presentations around the dangers of vaping in 2019. Discussions included the addiction process, signs of addiction, resources available to families, and more. These presentations will continue into 2020, aimed at preventing further teen addiction, and connecting teens who currently vape to cessation resources.
The Next Generation Leading the Way to Healthy Lifestyles SCOE had another tremendous year leading the Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) which is comprised of youth from Solano high schools and colleges and is supported by an advisory team of adults. SYC builds partnerships for positive and healthy youth development. Youth are engaged as active leaders and resources in their communities. The Solano Youth Coalition strives to promote and encourage the participation of young people in the development of policy, programs, and services in their communities. They promote awareness and prevention campaigns for tobacco, drugs, and alcohol use as well.
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150 Students Attended Solano Youth Summit In 2019, Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) held the Solano Youth Summit in Pollock Pines, CA. The summit created an opportunity for 150 Solano youth to express their views on various issues facing youth while building alliances among diverse groups. The Youth Development Summit was made possible through a partnership formed by SCOE’s Youth Development Department, the Solano Youth Coalition, Solano County Public Health, Fighting Back Partnership, Kaiser Permanente, Vacaville Police Department’s REACH Coalition, the Solano Family Justice Center, Solano Community College, Travis Credit Union, Timeline Media Productions, Buckingham Charter Film Department, and Solano Youth Voices.
SCOE Awarded More Grant Funding for School-Based Wellness Centers Solano County Behavioral Health recently increased the grant allocation for SCOE’s Mental Health Services Act contract from $900,000 to $1.2 million. Funds will be used to expand an additional 10 wellness centers, support a mental health intern program, and provide training for wellness center staff. We appreciate our amazing community’s support of this important work around student mental health and wellness.
School Safety Symposium Spurs Second Session for Parents In 2019, Solano County Office of Eduaction partnered with other Solano County agencies including the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Probation, and Health & Social Services to collaborate on school safety. The group also partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Vacaville Police Department to bring data, research, science, and systems to Solano school districts through the Solano County School Safety Symposium. More than 300 attendees from local school site teams, law enforcement, and public safety agencies attended the event. The interest in topics like threat assesments and identifying behaviors that are potential precursors for future violence was widespread. SCOE has partnered again with the Solano District Attorney’s Office, Vacaville Police, and the FBI on an upcoming seminar for parents. Through this collaborative effort, SCOE will continue to support local educators in school violence awareness and prevention.
SCOE Spotlight
2019 Review
6. Fiscal Support Established more than 150 years ago by California’s Constitution, SCOE has a long history of helping Solano County school districts remain fiscally responsible and prudent by providing accounting and payroll services, financial oversight, and other supports. It is not cost-effective for each school district to independently acquire the many services needed to operate. That’s why SCOE provides a single source for an array of business, technology, credentialing, curriculum, instruction, training, and other services to Solano school districts. SCOE evaluates and certifies the budgets and multi-year projections for each district, helping to maintain fiscal solvency countywide. SCOE also serves as the connection between our schools and the state and federal governments. Every year new laws are passed, new programs are mandated, and old programs are phased out. SCOE monitors changes in legislation and offers staff as a resource to inform and train district administrators in staying current with changing laws that affect education.
$7.9 Million Working for Solano Students A Look at SCOE’s Procurement of Additional Funds from Grants and Service Contracts to Further Local Education Initiatives
CalPERS Retirement System Training for School Districts
California School Board Associations’ Fiscal Management and Crisis Team (FCMAT) publishes an annual Fiscal Procedural Manual. The manual lays out legal requirements, best practices and other useful guidance related to the responsibilities of oversight of school districts. For several years, SCOE has been the primary author of the section of the manual that explains CalPERS retirement regulations and reporting. In 2019, SCOE held a training for Solano districts to further their understanding and expertise of the CalPERS retirement system, and aid in fiscal planning.
As part of SCOE’s commitment to support school districts and organizations working to improve educational outcomes, close to eight million dollars in grants and service contracts have been secured. $2.5 million stems from new grants and contracts beginning in the 2019-20 school year. $5.4 is funded through continuing multi-year grants and contracts. Below is a summary of the priority areas being addressed and highlights of the work being done for students and educators with the funding.
Education Advocacy & Leadership
Equity & Enrichment
High Quality Education
Job Readiness & Skill Development
Safety & Wellness
Every Student Succeeds Act comprehensive support and improvement
$63,000
Foster and homeless student supports, 2020 U.S. Census outreach, preschool rating & improvement systems, social emotional support training for educators
$797,859
Enhance Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for students, early reading programs, K-5 math & science, improve preschool systems, family supports for early learning
$1,188,645
Classes at adult school, increase self sufficiency & pre-employment skills for students with disabilities, support businesses in creating employment opportunities for students with disabilities
$2,759,224
Positive Parenting Program classes, tobacco prevention & law enforcement, commercially sexually exploited children prevention, trauma sensitive learning environment trainings, wellness centers
$3,159,011
Total: $7,967,739 9
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
SOLANO COMMUNITY AWARENESS & PREVENTION WORKSHOP
The “Why” Behind School Violence & Choices Made by Teens Development during the formative years in an adolescent's life can be difficult, challenging and overwhelming. Navigating through school, family, and social problems, students are becoming more and more at risk in dealing with everyday life. Parents and educators are seeing staggering issues facing teens each day, and the coping skills that were once considered "normal" are no longer the standard in a student’s life. During this session participants will learn the impact of technology on an adolescent's development, as well as ways to spot, assess, evaluate, and mitigate potential crisis contributing to school violence. Participants will also learn how to identify a teen in crisis, a potential threat, and how effective communications can de-escalate everyday problems.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 • 5:30-7:30 PM Will C. Wood High Shool- Catwalk Theater, 998 Marshall Rd, Vacaville Interested in attending? email PIO@SolanoCOE.net This school safety workshop is the second in a series, presented by:
Solano County Health& Social Services
Solano County Office of Education - 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534 - (707) 399-4400 - www.solanocoe.net
In California, all kids count. Children should be included on your 2020 Census form—and not just children related to you, but any kids that live at your address. That means your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and the children of any friends or relatives staying with you. Babies count, too! Even if they’re still in the hospital, as long as they were born on or before April 1, 2020, make sure the person completing the Census for your address includes them on the form. For more information about the 2020 Census, visit 2020Census.gov. | #2020Census #CaliforniaForAll