The State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently announced that according to the new California Healthy Kids Survey. The statewide survey evaluates how well schools met students’ needs for school safety, drug, and alcohol prevention, mental health, and other factors that influence learning. The survey highlights moderate decreases in drug and alcohol use and increased school safety. Additionally the survey finds that only 26-33% of secondary students experienced in their school high levels of three fundamental developmental supports that have been linked to resilience and positive academic, social, emotional, and physical health outcomes: caring adult relationships, high expectations, and meaningful participation. The survey provides insights for educators and health professionals about how to improve services for students, and helps local school districts prepare their Local Control and Accountability Plan which are a critical part of California’s new school Local Control Funding Formula. Find the full report here.