Gavin Newsom recently signed senate bill 291 on September 30th, 2022, allowing California students to have a say in the state's unique education policy-making process for the California Advisory Commission. The law requires the state to have a California Advisory Commission on Special Education, which is a group of 17 people who help the State Board of Education, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Legislature, and the Governor with new or continuing research, program development, and evaluation in special education.

The California Advisory Commission will now allow California students to select two special needs representatives between the ages of 16 to 22 years of age. In addition, the students will offer their perspectives on various issues, including California's new academic standards, college and career readiness, and overall dealings with California's policies. 

In addition to attending quarterly meetings, the California Advisory Commission committee members will visit schools and meet with education leaders who will mentor the pupils and ensure they grow into their roles properly. Having this system in place allows a good chance for California students to tell people what they think about the things that are important to everyone. They can help their communities more if they do this.

California students on the California Advisory Commission will also be allowed to participate in civic activities and take absences from school if necessary. Governor Newsom also signed AB 2806, which will stop schools from suspending or expelling children except as a last resort. When children are suspended or expelled, they do not get the benefits of early learning and education; This often happens to toddlers and preschoolers of color. This new bill aims to change this and support California's youngest learners.

According to a quote from Senator Connie M Leyva, "As the future of our state will be largely guided by young people still in school today, it is vital that we get California students more civically involved in government and their community," Senator Leyva said. "SB 955 prioritizes student opportunities for civic learning and engagement and will help them gain a better understanding of how their involvement can help to change and improve the world around them. I thank the Governor for signing SB 955 and look forward to our future leaders stepping up in the years and decades ahead so we can continue to move California in a positive direction."

Why Should Government Leaders Allow Students to Voice their Opinions in the California Advisory Commission?

California students should be able to have their voices heard on various issues ranging from how classes are set up, who gets hired into pivotal teacher roles, and more. But unfortunately, there has been little progress recently on involving students in advisory committee meetings. 

There are several reasons why California students should be allowed to serve on the California Advisory Commission:

1. It would give them a front-row seat to learn about different issues plaguing their communities and what support is needed to change the specific problems.
2. It would allow them to advocate directly for the changes they want to see in their communities. Instead of just electing older individuals to solve their issues, they can work toward making changes themselves.
3. It would ensure that the state's boards and commissions are representative of California's diverse population and allow fresh ideas to be passed around from people currently in the education community.

Allowing California students to serve on state boards and commissions would be a positive step in allowing students to have more control over government decisions.

Student voices are crucial to the California Advisory Commission as they provide a student-centered perspective that can improve the quality of education. When students can voice their opinions, they feel more invested in the process and are more likely to take action on important issues. Additionally, student input can help the California Advisory Commission to identify potential problems and develop innovative solutions. 

For example, if students feel that their school curriculum needs to meet their needs, they may suggest ways to improve it. By including student voices in decision-making, government boards can ensure that the needs of students are being met and that the education system is continually improving.

According to a quote from Gavin Newsom, "California is putting our values into action by providing meaningful avenues for students to participate in local decision-making," said Governor Newsom. "Thanks to these new laws, students across California will now be more empowered to actively participate in decisions that impact their educational outcomes and communities."

Student Hires Programs

Student Hires is a unique program that provides disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Led by college students, our programs offer hands-on learning experiences that increase career readiness.

Our programs are designed to give participants the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's competitive job market. 

We believe that all young people deserve the chance to reach their full potential, and our programs are essential in achieving this goal.

We are committed to providing quality programs that make a difference in the lives of our participants and our community. We follow these changes closely to create the right environment for our students. If you are interested in contributing to our mission, we encourage you to contact us today. Thank you for being so supportive!

Conclusion

Because of this new executive order, California students will now have a say in policies that affect them and their families; This is an essential step in making sure young people can be heard and participate in the democratic process of the California Advisory Commission.