Hold My Cafecito

In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we sit down with Rebecca Aguila to discuss the growing role of CALPADS in California schools. From accountability and attendance reporting to English Learner data and cross-department collaboration, Rebecca shares practical insights and key information that district and site leaders should be aware of to strengthen systems and better support students.

In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we break down five important state accountability and compliance updates impacting California school districts and county offices of education. We discuss revisions to the Suspension Rate Indicator for Long-Term English Learners (LTELs), updates to the English Learner Progress Indicator (ELPI), and important California School Dashboard changes affecting ELA,...

In this special  May the Fourth  episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we bring you timely State and Federal compliance updates with a Star Wars twist. We cover an urgent ELPAC reclassification clarification impacting eligible students, the opening of the 2026–27 CARS Spring Release, and upcoming Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops. We also highlight the Prop 28 annual certification requirement and...

In this April episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we highlight key updates for school leaders, including major CERS enhancements, a call for Newcomer Conference proposals, and a reminder about the ELPAC testing deadline. We also share details on the upcoming Williams Overview Meeting and the Leadership Network Kick-Off featuring Gerry Brooks. Stay informed with timely updates to support planning and co...

In this late-March episode of  Hold My Cafecito , “Percolating Policy—March Updates You Don’t Want to Miss,” key State and Federal updates are highlighted to help district and site leaders stay organized and proactive. The episode covers the upcoming CSIS Data Governance Academy watch party and important registration deadlines, newly released LCFF Equity Multiplier funding allocations, and Transit...

In this March 2nd episode of  Hold My Cafecito , “March Momentum—Compliance, Reclassification & Funding Clarity for Spring,” Emily, Manuel, and Nestor unpack five essential State and Federal updates districts need to act on now. From the April 1 Home-to-School Transportation Plan deadline and critical CSI/TSI SPSA and Federal Addendum requirements, to ELPAC reclassification actions and the new...

In this February episode of  Hold My Cafecito , “Mid-Winter News—Funding, Testing & Compliance You Can’t Miss This February,” Emily, Manuel, and Nestor break down the top five State and Federal updates districts need on their radar right now. From key February deadlines and reporting requirements to Title I guidance, CSI subgrant reporting, the opening of the Summative ELPAC testing window, an...

Join us for a cafecito as we help launch The Open Mind Podcast with ConnectED MINDS—bringing community, conversation, and connection together. The Open Mind Podcast Channel

Kick off 2026 with a fresh pour of clarity and confidence. In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , Emily, Manuel, and Nestor welcome listeners back after the New Year and break down key State and Federal updates to start the year strong. From January CARS and CALPADS deadlines and SARC governing board approvals to assessment system downtime, upcoming professional learning opportunities, and a tour...

In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we’re joined by Richard Winters—Coordinator of Library Services, Literature & Language Literacy, and Language & Library—to talk literacy leadership across the Central Valley. Richard shares how connecting schools, libraries, and classrooms strengthens regional literacy systems and why access to engaging, representative texts matters now more than ever...

In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , One Last Pour — Wrapping Up the Year’s Updates Before Winter Break, we’re serving five essential reminders to help you close out the year confidently and compliantly. We highlight the statewide recruitment for new districts to join the RAISE Network, share key deadlines for the now-open 2025–26 CARS Winter Release, and stress the importance of accurate data a...

In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we’re pouring out five essential November updates to keep your programs warm and your compliance strong before the holidays. From the CDE’s statewide search for high-quality TK multilingual learner screening tools and reminders about CARS Winter Release user access, to required ELPAC AST training and upcoming CAASPP deadlines, we’ve got your to-do list covere...

In this episode of  Hold My Cafecito , we’re serving up five essential November updates to keep your compliance and collaboration running smoothly. From the California School Dashboard preview and public release dates, to emergency food resources for families affected by the recent shutdown, we’ve got timely reminders for every district. We’re also spotlighting the launch of the Region 7 English L...

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Jessica Gomez—award-winning educational leader, mentor, and advocate for equity—to explore what it means to lead with a people-first mindset. Jessica shares how her experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy, and how those lessons guide her approach to innovation, accountability, and system-wide change. From practical advice for new princ...

In this episode of   “Spooky Stats & Bewitching Deadlines: No Tricks, Just Policy Treats”  — we’re serving up five key October updates every district needs to know. From the latest  Title III allocations and final call to claim  2023–24 funds , to reminders on  TOMS accessibilities , the new  Accessibility Resources Matrix , and the  LCAP upload deadline  on myCDEconnect by October 31, we’ve g...

In this episode of  Morning Grind, Policy Find , we’re kicking off October with five big updates every district needs to know. We start with AB 49, the California Safe Haven Schools Act, reinforcing protections for immigrant students and requiring policy updates by March 2026. Next, we cover the 2025–26 LCAP upload window opening October 13 through 31 on myCDEconnect, followed by CAASPP and ELPAC...

In this episode of  Strong Coffee, Strong Compliance — Preparing for Fall Audits & Reporting Requirements , we break down five key updates. We start with the September 30 deadlines for EEF, ELO-P, and UPK expenditure reports, plus the required Proposition 28 Annual Report for arts and music funding. We also share details from the upcoming Mid-Year LCAP Lunch & Learn with Parsec Education,...

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Holly Crivelli, MCOE's Credentialing Programs Senior Coordinator, to unpack the latest updates impacting teacher certification in California. We dive into key changes to the RICA exam, updates to Teacher Performance Assessments (TPAs), and what administrators need to know to support candidates through these transitions. Whether you're in...

Espresso Yourself : Answering Your Questions on Funding, Compliance, & Programs  dives into the essentials district leaders need this month — from revised LTEL Dashboard criteria and updated Title III immigrant funding rates, to the must-do parent notifications and four-week teacher assignment rules. We also spotlight the upcoming CDE assessment coordinator training on accessibility. A smooth...

In this special episode of  Hold My Cafecito , our hosts sit down with behavioral health clinician Thalia to discuss Suicide Awareness Month and what it means for educators. Together, they explore early warning signs, the role of school-based services, and practical ways schools and families can reduce stigma while building stronger support systems for students. This conversation offers educators...

"Espresso Deadlines, Filtered Guidance"  brews up the latest essentials for district leaders — from fresh CDE guidance on  Mahmoud v. Taylor  and the launch of universal TK in 2025–26, to new ELPAC interim assessments and professional learning tools. We also cover Dashboard registration and LCAP upload requirements, plus a streamlined look at how to put Title III funds to work without crossing com...

"Our First Sip"  kicks off the new school year with a fresh brew of state and federal updates — from dashboard resets and reporting deadlines to big shifts in ELOP funding and must-attend PD events. We’re pouring it fresh and keeping it quick, so you can enjoy your coffee while catching up on what matters most. For more information click on the Top 5 Document Link !