• Superintendent's Initiatives. Equity and Inclusive Practices. Financial Literacy. Literacy by Fifth Grade. Mental Health. Foster Youth Success.

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez has launched multiple initiatives to ensure that every student in Riverside County will graduate from high school academically and socially prepared for college, the workforce, and civic responsibility.

New in 2024-2025

Foster Youth Success Initiative

The educational performance, attendance, suspension, and post-secondary success rates of foster students consistently fall below the outcomes of almost every other student group. From individual student support tools and foster parent resources, to educator training tools and bridging programs to higher education, this new initiative aims to build stronger connections between school, community, and government entities, to directly help foster students shift from surviving to striving to thriving. Learn more on the Foster Youth Success Initiative page.

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The focus of the Equity & Inclusive Practices is to provide opportunities for educators to integrate the concepts of access and equity into policies and practices, while developing an appreciation of other cultures, languages, orientations, and backgrounds, among diverse groups of students and staff.

Learn how this being implemented at RCOE and in Riverside county school districts on the Equity & Inclusive Practices page.

 

 

During the pandemic, students have experienced higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. It is critical that every child in Riverside County has access to mental health services that are effective and expedient to obtain. Mental health is an equity issue due to the disproportionate impact on students of color and students in poverty. In order to ensure the mental well-being of our students, RCOE is seeking to collaborate with stakeholders across the county.

Resources, Virtual Wellness Center, and the Back to School Wellness Toolkit can be found on the Mental Health Initiative page.

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Financial literacy can be the great equalizer in our society because many young adults get into debt immediately after high school. Students in poor communities with Payday Loans and Cash in Advance institutions are particularly vulnerable. They often use these services to pay basic bills and their college tuition. We must work towards creating the next generation of students that can live within their means and gain the knowledge to become financially prosperous.

Resources, training workshops, and ways to join the initiative are available on the Financial Literacy Initiative page.

Educators are familiar with the adage, "Students should learn to read by third grade, and after third grade, read to learn." However, many students are not reading at high levels of proficiency by third grade. RCOE must focus on providing educators with the appropriate professional development to teach reading during this time of distance learning.

Videos and resources supporting literacy skills can be found on the Literacy by 5th Grade page.

Initiatives from the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools are aimed at addressing key issues facing Riverside County students and schools. From reading and vocabulary curriculum to internships and civic engagement, the initiatives seek to engage schools, community members, businesses, faith-based and service organizations, law enforcement, and other local agencies to work together for the success of the 430,000 students attending public schools throughout our county.

Please contact the Community Engagement and Partnerships team member who is assigned to your area of Riverside County for ways you can join us in supporting the Superintendent’s Initiatives that foster effective partnerships and enhance the academic success of students.