CalNEW Community of Practice

Launched in 2023, the CalNEW Community of Practice (CoP) draws a core group of members from 21 local education agencies, the California Department of Social Services, the California Department of Education, and Californians Together. With a focus on best practices for serving newcomer students, they meet four times each year to share their work, build state-level connections, and collectively inform field development.

Priorities for Guidance & Resource Development

In the 2023-2024 school year, the CalNEW Community of Practice met in role-alike working groups to identify areas in newcomer education in need of additional resources, guidance, and development. These priority areas inform continued CalNEW Community of Practice activities, and may act as a reference for other newcomer field development work.

  • Stack of colorful books topped with black-framed glasses against a dark, textured background. The scene evokes a sense of learning and contemplation.

    Curriculum

    Problem: Classroom teachers describe a lack of instructional materials for newcomers at the early stages of language and literacy development. 

    What is Needed: Public and private investment in materials development and instructional standards inclusive of newcomers.

  • Open planner showing a monthly calendar on a desk, with faint handwritten notes. Sunlight casts a soft glow, giving a sense of organized calm.

    Master Scheduling

    Problem: School leaders describe difficulty scheduling high school courses that appropriately meet academic, graduation, and integration needs.


    What is Needed: Clear guidance and tools for newcomer courses within the high school master schedule.

  • A winding road in Yosemite National Park leads to the iconic Half Dome, framed by tall pine trees and rugged rocks under a partly cloudy sky.

    Academic Pathways

    Problem: District administrators describe a lack of defined course sequences & supports appropriate to prepare newcomers for postsecondary success.


    What is Needed: Well-developed academic pathways with courses, criteria, and outcomes recognized by the state.

  • A man in a straw hat and a young girl in overalls tend to leafy greens in a lush, sunlit garden. The scene conveys a peaceful, nurturing tone.

    Family Engagement

    Problem: Community engagement staff describe challenges supporting connections between families and their districts and school sites in service of student engagement and learning.

    What is Needed: Tools, protocols, and explicit expectations for districts and schools to engage with newcomer families.

  • Sea otters floating in calm water, with one in the foreground looking towards the camera. The scene is peaceful and natural, with soft lighting.

    Staff Training

    Problem: Staff describe a lack of general content training and knowledge of newcomer students as a group, and their pedagogical and socio-emotional needs.

    What is Needed: Trainings and knowledge building available for instructional, administrative, community school and other staff to understand the needs and assets of newcomers.

  • Historic building with a white facade, large columns, and a domed roof under construction. Scaffolding and trees in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.

    Statutory Guidance

    Problem: District administrators describe ambiguity in education code regarding newcomer students in multiple areas.

    What is Needed: Explicit guidance from state agencies on enrollment, course requirements, graduation, and other areas concerning newcomers.