Orange County Department of Education’s Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs Ramon Miramontes shares his insights on the educational landscape in OC for the new year.
Parenting OC: What trends in education are you seeing and how might they impact the 2024 educational Orange County landscape?
Ramon Miramontes: I would say trending topics in education include heightened student engagement strategies, career readiness, AI integration in the classroom and our continued focus on mental health — to name a few.
To elaborate just a bit, engagement efforts are absolutely critical to addressing absenteeism, while fostering a more inclusive and participatory school experience. Our teachers are constantly devising new and innovative ways to connect with students and their interests while attending to foundational learning in content areas. Similarly, career readiness initiatives are being tailored to prepare students for post-graduation success, whether in higher education or the workforce, emphasizing practical skills and in-demand qualifications.
POC: What did educators learn from 2023 for further improvements in 2024?
RM: Re-engaging students who have been chronically absent has really been a top priority the last two years. Research shows that absenteeism can significantly hinder academic success moving forward. Orange County schools are tackling this through initiatives that involve incentives, interventions and community partnerships, and we are seeing the benefits.
Additionally, the integration of AI in education is becoming a focal point, with discussions on how to harness its extraordinary potential to benefit teaching and learning while preparing students for their tech-driven futures. That work is just beginning.
POC: What are some of the improvements that are still taking place in local schools since the challenges of 2020?
RM: There has been an ongoing focus on mental health, along with fostering skills that help students navigate social complexities, build positive relationships and make thoughtful, ethical choices. This has been crucial during and after the pandemic, which, as we know, heightened mental health challenges.
There has also been a notable investment in expanded learning opportunities and childcare programs, which are crucial for early childhood readiness and support for working parents.
POC: What are the most pressing topics being addressed locally right now and in the near future?
RM: I can tell you that student performance, mental health and the rise of AI are on the minds of educators every day. At the same time, Orange County is about to navigate the effects of California’s economic downturn, which directly impacts public school funding under Proposition 98.
Falling revenue at the state level will be further exacerbated by declining enrollment. That’s a long-term trend that’s attributed to lower birth rates and soaring home prices, which make it increasingly challenging for young families to reside in the area. These factors will put pressure on our educational resources.
In spite of fiscal constraints, our commitment to enhancing student engagement and reducing chronic absenteeism remains unwavering. We’re focusing on bolstering support for our multilingual learners and closing achievement gaps. It’s crucial that we continue to adapt and find creative ways to ensure that all students receive the high-quality education they deserve, even amid economic uncertainties.
POC: How is AI being addressed?
RM: AI is emerging as a central topic in education, and in Orange County, we want to be at the forefront of integrating it into our educational framework.
To that end, we are engaged in an ambitious initiative to explore the ways in which AI can enhance teaching and learning. This involves bringing together educational leaders from our districts to examine AI’s multidimensional role — not as a substitute for quality teaching, but as a tool to support, bolster and accelerate learning.
We’re delving into AI’s capabilities to ensure it’s accessible and beneficial for students of all abilities while addressing ethical issues or the potential for misuse. These are the conversations we’re having at a leadership level, but we will also have these conversations with our families, as well as our students, who will undoubtedly have their own thoughts, insight and experiences related to artificial intelligence.
POC: Mental health is an ongoing concern in education. Do you have any updates or programs planned for 2024 to continue addressing this issue?
RM: Mental health support continues to be foundational to academics. In 2024, we will continue to expand our WellSpace initiative, which has provided dozens of on-campus spaces for students to manage stress and practice mindfulness strategies with support from trained school counselors. We are also working with CalOptima and our 28 district partners to provide telehealth options through Hazel Health as we increase the availability and accessibility of mental health professionals.
In Orange County we have established a mental health collaborative that brings together lead mental health professionals from various districts to share insights, concerns and best practices. Additionally, OCDE’s Student Advocates for Mental Health program continues to train and support young people to raise mental health awareness and to reduce stigmas through peer-influencer campaigns, workshops and other activities.
Taken together, this holistic approach underscores our collective commitment to creating educational environments that prioritize the well-being of students and their families.
POC: How are OC public schools addressing concerns about school testing scores?
RM: It’s a great question. While Orange County students continue to outperform their counterparts across the state, we know we can do more, and our schools are employing multiple strategies to address the issue.
Boosting attendance is key. As I mentioned previously, being in school each day correlates with higher academic achievement. Targeted interventions in core subjects like math and reading, backed by solid research, are also being implemented.
Formative assessments are used to identify and address individual student needs. But it goes beyond testing. To enhance engagement, teachers are integrating technology and project-based learning into their lessons, along with culturally relevant content. A strong focus on early literacy, particularly in the early grades, is also being prioritized across Orange County districts.
These initiatives aim to create more engaging and effective learning environments, and that leads to improved test scores.
POC: What are some school success stories and accomplishments you’d like to highlight?
RM: We have so much to be proud of that it’s difficult to know where to begin. This year, six of our schools were honored with the 2023 National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. This award is the highest national distinction for schools, and our county represents 18 percent of California’s total Blue Ribbon winners.
To tout one of our own programs, OCDE’s Crisis Response Network, which offers support during traumatic events, was recognized in November with the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. We could not be more proud of this team for how they help schools in times of crisis.
I do have to tell you that I hear stories of Orange County students excelling every day. Just recently I spoke with students from the Huntington Beach Union High School District who earned honors at Intel’s AI Global Impact Festival for developing an AI-driven robotic service animal designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. Can you believe that? It’s inspiring to see our students not only shine academically but also innovate to make real-world impacts.
POC: Anything else you’d like to share?
RM: We are truly fortunate to have a compassionate and collaborative community here in Orange County. The partnerships between educators, families, businesses and civic leaders are the backbone of our success in shaping a brighter future for students. It’s this shared commitment that allows us to overcome challenges and celebrate our achievements together.
By Jessica Peralta
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