Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
"The proposed revision to the state budget reflects our values, ensuring that our students have the resources they need to succeed regardless of their race, Zip codes or backgrounds." —CTA President E. Toby Boyd funding to develop screening instruments for the assessments, with the intent to fund professional development for this purpose in future budgets. "We appreciate the governor hearing the concerns educators have expressed for the last few years and for including funding to properly address early literacy screening, including dyslexia in a manner that pro- vides a realistic implementation timeline, professional development for educators and thoughtful policy that benefits students," Boyd said. Educator Workforce: Allows teachers who were unable to finish their credential because they could not take the Teaching Performance Assess- ment during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet this requirement through completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved induction program, or through two years of satisfactory teacher evaluations. Requires the CTC to evaluate how tran- script reviews can be conducted to assess basic skills and subject matter competence for teaching candi- dates to complete their credentialing requirements without the need to take state-mandated exams. Early Childhood Education: Maintains the com- mitment to expand transitional kindergarten. Provides an 8.22% COLA for the State Preschool Program. California Community Colleges: Provides a total of $12.3 billion in Prop. 98 funding for the California community colleges (CCC) in 2023-24. Includes $678 million in ongoing Prop. 98 funding for an 8.22% COLA. Proposes $545.4 million in one-time General Fund monies over the next two years for community college affordable student housing projects. The May State Budget Revise is a proposal and must be negotiated through the Legislative process. "We look forward to working with the Legislature and the Governor in the coming weeks to finalize a budget that reflects our shared values," Boyd said. O N M A Y 2 3 , CTA Vice President David B. Goldberg joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to launch the Promise of Proposition 28. Passed by voters in 2022, Prop. 28 provides nearly $1 billion annually in funding for arts and music throughout California schools so students in all grades can participate in arts and music programs. At the event, which took place at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, Goldberg, Thurmond and other participants discussed how $933 million in funding will be rolled out for the 2023–24 school year. Present were former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Austin Beutner, artists Aloe Blacc and Will.i.am, SEIU 99 representatives as well as philanthropists, school administrators, current arts and music educators and aspiring arts educators. "California voters overwhelmingly voted to support this nation-leading investment, the largest investment in arts and music education in the country," Thurmond said. " The arts are a necessary part of a well-rounded education. We know the arts help kids connect with school and have a positive impact on student attendance and school climate." The Educator will continue to cover Prop. 28's implementation. The Promise of Proposition 28 Arts & Music: Second and third from left: CTA Vice President David Goldberg and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond discuss funding for arts and music in California schools. 26 cta.org Advocacy