The 2023-24 school year has been transformative for the San Mateo County Office of Education. Since launching a new strategic plan in the fall to carry us forward over the next five years, we have been actively working to deepen and enhance learning environments that support the whole child; expand career pathways across the education sector, including early learning and classified support positions; strengthen advocacy and partnerships in education that lift up community voices; and further align our organization’s policies and practices with our vision, mission, and core practices. Together with school districts and our community partners, we have launched several new initiatives this year aligned with our goals. These include the Anne Campbell Child Development Center, Education Employment Recruitment Fair, Partnerships in Education Summit, United for Youth, and Afrofuturism Student Conference – all of which you will learn more about in this report.
This Report to the Community highlights on our work over the past year, focusing on our impact on public education, and shines a light on our county’s students. I want to express my deep appreciation to our dedicated educators, support staff, families, and community partners for their tireless efforts to bring excellence and equity to education.
– Nancy Magee, Superintendent of Schools
Launching the 2023-28 Strategic Plan
In August 2023, the County Office of Education launched its 2023-28 Strategic Plan, which centers around four goals that strengthen public education in San Mateo County. Since launching the plan, the County Office of Education has deepened its work in each goal area to build an education system that supports all students in their journey from birth to career.
Goal One: Support Whole-Child Student Outcomes
The County Office of Education fosters positive relationships and learning environments countywide to help all students achieve personal and academic success. It is improving systems to support better outcomes for youth enrolled in the County Office of Education's Court and Community and Special Education school programs.
2023-24 School Year Accomplishments:
- Implemented the California Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework to address all students' needs
- Supported districts in improving outcomes through Differentiated Assistance
- Launched the Afrofuturism Student Conference to connect and empower students who identify as Black
- Helped school districts and providers create high-quality, inclusive programs
- Elevated student leadership and youth voice through the Youth Climate Ambassadors Program
- Partnered with school districts to create equitable special education programs
- Engaged Court and Community School students in new and innovative learning opportunities
- Expanded student engagement and learning in the County Office of Education's TK-22 Special Education program
- Opened the Anne Campbell Child Development Center to provide affordable preschool to qualifying families
Goal Two: Build the Workforce for Student Success
To support students in realizing their full potential, the County Office of Education prioritizes creating a well-prepared education workforce that is student-centered and sustainable, culturally and linguistically diverse, and committed to equitable and antiracist practices.
2023-24 School Year Accomplishments:
- Initiated a community of practice to help school districts create and implement plans for recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse staff
- Developed more pathways into education through the County Office of Education's growing Teacher Residency Program and the work of a dedicated Early Childhood Education Career Pathways Project Specialist
- Helped school districts fill teaching and non-teaching positions through the Education Employment Recruitment Fair
- Developed resources to support educators through adult social-emotional learning
- Supported education specialists in completing their bridge authorization to serve more students in the 2023-24 school year
Goal Three: Strengthen Advocacy and Partnership
The County Office of Education is strengthening its advocacy work and partnerships to support student achievement, lift up community voices, and address disparities and inequities in education.
2023-24 School Year Accomplishments:
- Supported the development of community schools to meet families' needs and improve student outcomes
- Partnered across school districts and agencies to increase collective impact, including helping lead a new strategic plan for The Big Lift
- Elevated and celebrated best practices for establishing community partnerships through the inaugural Partnerships in Education Summit
- Hired a Director, Grants, Partnerships, and Operations to help address public school funding inequities
- Launched United for Youth to develop a countywide strategic plan of action to meet the social-emotional and behavioral health needs of youth
- Advocated for policies that support TK-12 and early learning student needs
- Refined the Equity Index Tool to help prioritize the needs of specific districts and their student populations when delivering services
Goal Four: Embody OneSMCOE Vision and Values
The County Office of Education promotes an organizational culture of community, collaboration, and belonging, one where all staff are committed to serving students in an authentic, culturally-responsive, and impactful way.
Accomplishments During the 2023-24 School Year:
- Piloted an onboarding series for new employees, addressing equity, education, and a variety of topics to inform staff and create a welcoming environment
- Offered new professional development opportunities to encourage and promote career growth
- Organized healthy ways for employees to connect and celebrate their work
- Conducted a Classification and Compensation study, to be completed in summer 2024