Orange County Education Department outlines LCAP focusing on student support and engagement

The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) presented its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) during a recent Board of Education meeting, highlighting significant developments and initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students. Dr. Maria Martinez Poulin, Access Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Chris Romanovsky, Executive Director of the Connections program, led the presentation, emphasizing the importance of the LCAP in providing targeted support for students in need.

The LCAP outlines specific goals and actions based on a needs assessment, focusing on enhancing engagement with families and educational partners. The presentation showcased student demographics, including shifts in enrollment numbers and the diverse needs of students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, English learners, and foster youth. Notably, the OCDE reported a remarkable 23.5% increase in progress among English language learners, rising from 18.5% to 42%.

Key highlights included the introduction of new programs, such as a deaf and hard of hearing classroom and expanded digital media labs. The OCDE also organized various community events, including a field trip to SoFi Stadium for Connections students, aimed at exposing them to local history and career opportunities. Additionally, the department hosted over 480 events for parents throughout the school year, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement.

The presentation underscored the challenges posed by high student mobility rates, particularly in juvenile hall schools, where students average only 12 days of enrollment. This instability complicates efforts to provide consistent educational support. The LCAP aims to address these issues by targeting resources and funding to bridge opportunity gaps for these vulnerable populations.

The Board is expected to review and approve the LCAP at its next meeting on June 18, with plans to submit it to the State Department of Education shortly thereafter. The LCAP is seen as a vital tool for ensuring that all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically and socially.