California students, including those in elementary school, will have better access to mental health care, free menstrual products, and information about climate change this school year. The expansion of transitional kindergarten also means there will be more 4-year-old students on elementary school campuses.
George Washington Elementary School Principal Gina Lopez warmly welcomed students on the first day of school on July 30th, setting the tone for a new academic year filled with opportunities for growth and learning. As California students embark on their educational journey, they will encounter a range of new laws and initiatives aimed at enhancing their overall well-being and educational experience.
### Climate Change Instruction Required
One of the significant legislative changes impacting students in the 2024-25 school year is the requirement for all grades, from first through 12th, to include an emphasis on the causes and effects of climate change in their science instruction. This mandate also extends to methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change, reflecting the urgent need for environmental education in schools.
While many schools across California have already been incorporating lessons on climate change into their curriculum, the new legislation formalizes this requirement, ensuring that all students receive comprehensive instruction on this critical issue. Assemblymember Luz Rivas, the author of the bill, emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools needed to address the challenges posed by climate change.
### Menstrual Products in Elementary Bathrooms
Another significant development impacting students this school year is the expansion of menstrual product availability in elementary school bathrooms. A new law requires elementary schools to provide a free and adequate supply of menstruation products to students in grades three through five, building upon the existing requirement for schools serving sixth through 12th-grade students.
The inclusion of elementary schools in this initiative acknowledges the diverse needs of menstruating students across all grade levels and aims to ensure that no student faces barriers to accessing essential hygiene products. Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, the author of the legislation, highlighted the importance of providing equitable access to menstrual products for younger students, particularly those facing financial challenges.
### Younger Students on Campus
As transitional kindergarten classes are expanded to include children who will turn five between September 2nd and June 2nd, elementary campuses will see an influx of 4-year-old students this school year. Transitional kindergarten, designed as an additional grade before traditional kindergarten, provides young learners with the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their academic journey.
The expansion of transitional kindergarten reflects a commitment to early childhood education and ensuring that all children have access to quality educational experiences from a young age. Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond have praised the growth of transitional kindergarten enrollment, highlighting the positive impact it has on children’s development.
### Colleges Must Disclose Costs
In a move towards greater transparency and affordability in higher education, Assembly Bill 607 requires California State University campuses and community colleges to disclose upfront the estimated costs of course materials and fees for a significant percentage of their courses. This legislation aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their educational expenses and budget effectively for their academic pursuits.
By providing detailed information on course-related costs, including textbooks, software subscriptions, and other materials, colleges are helping students better plan for their academic expenses and reduce financial uncertainty. Proponents of the law underscore the importance of promoting price transparency and ensuring that students have access to affordable learning resources.
### TK Exempt from English Language Test
In a notable change for transitional kindergarten students, they are no longer required to take the initial English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). This adjustment recognizes the unique developmental needs of 4-year-old children and aims to provide a more accurate assessment of English language proficiency for students enrolled in transitional kindergarten.
By exempting transitional kindergartners from the ELPAC, California schools are aligning assessment practices with the developmental readiness of young learners and promoting a more equitable evaluation of English language acquisition. This change has been welcomed by school district staff and advocates for English learners, who emphasize the importance of age-appropriate assessments for transitional kindergarten students.
### Kids Can Consent to Mental Health Care
A recent law change has made it easier for children aged 12 and older on Medi-Cal to consent to mental health treatment both within and outside of schools. This legislation aims to ensure that young people have access to essential mental health resources and support, particularly in light of the complex challenges they face in today’s society.
By allowing children to consent to mental health care without parental approval under certain circumstances, the new law seeks to address the evolving mental health needs of young individuals and provide them with timely access to critical services. Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, the author of the bill, emphasized the importance of expanding access to mental health resources for all young people, regardless of their health insurance coverage.
### No Willful Defiance Suspensions
Beginning this school year, California students across all grade levels are prohibited from being suspended for willful defiance, marking a significant step towards promoting positive disciplinary practices in schools. Acts of willful defiance, which include intentional disruptive behavior or defiance of school authorities, will now be addressed through intervention and support measures, rather than punitive suspensions.
By eliminating willful defiance suspensions, schools are moving towards a more compassionate and restorative approach to discipline, recognizing the detrimental impact of punitive measures on student well-being and academic success. This legislative change builds on previous efforts to reduce suspensions for willful defiance among first-through-eighth-grade students and underscores the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive school environment for all students.
### Schools Can’t ‘Out’ Students
In a move to protect the privacy and dignity of transgender students, California schools boards are now prohibited from passing resolutions requiring teachers and staff to notify parents if they believe a child is transgender. This legislation, known as the SAFETY Act, ensures that school staff can support LGBTQ+ students without fear of retribution and provides additional resources and support for these students.
By safeguarding the rights and confidentiality of transgender and nonbinary youth, the new law reflects a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive educational environment for all students. Assemblymember Chris Ward, a proponent of the legislation, highlighted the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth in the face of increasing challenges and discrimination.
As California students embark on a new school year filled with promise and opportunity, they will encounter a range of new laws and initiatives aimed at enhancing their educational experience and overall well-being. From climate change instruction to menstrual product availability and mental health care access, these legislative changes reflect a commitment to supporting the diverse needs of students and creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system for all.
