The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is devoted to providing learning opportunities to enhance science education for all students. Through its various programs, CCCOE offers a range of science courses and teaching credentials to help local school districts fill a diverse list of positions. The faculty and staff in all of these departments are committed to the success of every student who enrolls at Contra Costa College. Four schools and two universities (the Sanford School of Education, the School of Letters and Sciences, the School of Business and Management, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the School of Health and Human Services, and the School of Professional Studies) offer more than 75 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teaching credentials.
The Sanford School of Education is one of the ten largest schools of education in the country, and its programs have been recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Training (NCATE), after meeting the organization's stringent, evidence-based standards for teacher training programs across the nation. The primary goal of the CCCOE Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative is to involve all students in genuine learning experiences that are aligned with California standards. LEAs may also consider information about courses A to G when making a local decision regarding the offer of science courses or the requirements for graduating in science from science high school. Section 51225,3 (a) (C) of the California Education Code (CE) states that, to receive a high school diploma, a student must complete at least two science courses, including biological and physical sciences. The CCCOE supports districts, coaches and classroom teachers in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in elementary and secondary classrooms. The teacher accreditation initiative was developed over a one-year period in coordination with the region's superintendents and 12-year pre-K educators, and has received considerable support from the former superintendent of Contra Costa County, Joseph Ovick, who chaired the advisory board. In addition to providing science courses for high school students, JFK University is also exploring the possibility of launching new accreditation programs for JFK students.
These could include a master's degree in school psychology. Contra Costa County Office of Education provides an array of opportunities for students to explore science education. From offering various courses to providing teaching credentials to launching new accreditation programs, CCCOE is committed to helping students succeed in their educational endeavors. With its rigorous standards for teacher training programs and its support for implementing Next Generation Science Standards in classrooms, CCCOE is paving the way for students to unlock their potential in science education.
