California students, including those in elementary school, will have better access to mental health care, free menstrual products, information about climate change, and expanded transitional kindergarten programs this school year. These changes are the result of new pieces of education legislation that will go into effect, impacting students in the 2024-25 school year.
### Mental Health Care Access for Students
A new law that took effect in July makes it easier for children on Medi-Cal who are 12 or older to consent to mental health treatment inside and outside of schools. Children older than 12 on private insurance can already consent to mental health care without parental consent. This development is crucial in addressing the mental health needs of young people who are facing a range of challenges, from school shootings to social media bullying.
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, the author of the bill, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all young people, regardless of their insurance coverage, have access to mental health resources. By allowing mental health professionals to determine the appropriateness of parental involvement and the child’s maturity level to consent, this legislation aims to provide necessary support to students in need.
### Climate Change Education Mandate
Another significant change for students this school year is the requirement for science instruction in all grades — first through 12th — to include an emphasis on the causes and effects of climate change, as well as methods to mitigate and adapt to it. This legislation, Assembly Bill 285, authored by Assemblymember Luz Rivas, D-Arieta, aims to equip the next generation with the tools needed to address the challenges of climate change and cultivate a new generation of climate policy leaders in California.
Rivas highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that extreme climate events are wreaking havoc across the globe and escalating in severity each year. By incorporating climate change education into the curriculum, schools can better prepare students to understand and address the environmental challenges facing our world today.
### Menstrual Product Access in Elementary Schools
A new law in effect this year adds elementary schools to the public schools that must offer a free and adequate supply of menstruation products. This expansion aims to support younger menstruating students who may face challenges in accessing these essential products. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, requires affected schools to offer free menstrual products in all-gender bathrooms, women’s bathrooms, and at least one men’s bathroom on each campus.
Supporters of the bill, including Girl Scout Troop 76 in the Inland Empire, emphasized the importance of ensuring menstrual product access for all students, regardless of age. Access to these products is crucial for students who may experience unpredictable menstruation and financial challenges in purchasing these items.
### Expansion of Transitional Kindergarten Programs
Elementary students may notice a change in the composition of their classrooms this year, as transitional kindergarten classes are expanded to include children who will turn age 5 between Sept. 2 and June 2. Transitional kindergarten, an additional grade before kindergarten, was created for 4-year-old children who turn 5 before Dec. 2. The expansion of transitional kindergarten programs aims to provide more children with access to early education opportunities.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond have celebrated the growth of transitional kindergarten enrollment, highlighting the benefits of early education for young learners. Despite the increase in enrollment numbers, there is still a need to ensure that eligible children are able to access these programs and benefit from the educational opportunities they provide.
### College Course Cost Transparency
For college students in California, understanding the costs associated with their courses and materials is essential for effective budgeting and financial planning. Assembly Bill 607, signed by Governor Newsom last year, requires California State University campuses and community colleges to disclose upfront the estimated costs of course materials and fees for some of their courses this school year. The bill aims to promote price transparency and help students make informed decisions about their educational expenses.
The legislation also highlights courses that use free digital course materials and low-cost print materials, providing students with options to minimize their expenses. By increasing transparency around course costs, colleges can support students in managing their finances and accessing the resources they need for academic success.
### Impact on English Language Learners
Students enrolled in transitional kindergarten, also known as TK, are no longer required to take the initial English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). This change recognizes the unique needs of young learners and aims to provide more appropriate assessments for English language acquisition. The California Department of Education has directed school districts to mark children’s English language acquisition status as “to be determined” if their parents indicate a primary or native language other than English.
Organizations advocating for English learners, such as Californians Together and Early Edge California, have celebrated this change, emphasizing the importance of tailored support for multilingual learners. By creating more inclusive and accurate assessment practices, schools can better meet the needs of diverse student populations and promote academic success for all learners.
### Suspension Policy Reforms
Beginning this school year, California students across all grade levels cannot be suspended for willful defiance for the next five years. Acts of willful defiance, which include intentionally disruptive behavior or defiance of school authorities, will now be addressed through intervention and support rather than suspensions. This policy change builds on previous legislation that had already banned willful defiance suspensions for first-through-eighth-grade students and expulsions for willful defiance.
Studies have shown that willful defiance suspensions disproportionately impact Black male students and increase the likelihood of students dropping out of school. By eliminating suspensions for willful defiance, schools can promote a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students, focusing on positive behavior interventions and supports.
### Protection of Transgender Students
In response to the rise in parental notification policies regarding transgender students, Governor Newsom signed the Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ youth. This legislation prohibits school boards from passing resolutions requiring teachers and staff to notify parents if they believe a child is transgender, safeguarding the privacy and dignity of students.
Assemblymember Chris Ward, D-San Diego, highlighted the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and ensuring a safe and inclusive school environment for all students. By providing additional resources and support for LGBTQ+ students, schools can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
### Conclusion
As California students embark on the 2024-25 school year, they will encounter new laws and policies that aim to enhance their educational experience and support their well-being. From climate change education to mental health care access, these legislative changes reflect a commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable learning environment for all students. By addressing critical issues such as access to resources, curriculum content, and student support services, California is taking steps to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in school.
