TCOE Student Events and the California State Standards
The California State Standards (CSS) were adopted by the State Board of Education in 2010. These focused and rigorous standards define the 21st Century knowledge and skills students need for success in college and career. The CSS call for an integrated curriculum that challenges students to think in complex ways and to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired. Evidence of such learning can be demonstrated through the completion of a variety of assigned tasks, including TCOE Student Future Ready Events.
TCOE has always promoted student event participation as an avenue to providing a well-rounded educational experience. Now, we are able to further emphasize the importance of student events by directly aligning them to our 21st century standards.
When applicable, TCOE Student Future Ready Events are coded in one or both of the following manners:
- Alignment to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards, Mathematical Practices (MP), Artistic Processes in the California Arts Standards (CAS), and/or Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). CCR Anchor Standards, Mathematical Practices, Artistic Practices, and Science and Engineering Practices are listed in their entirety at this link.
- Identification of the type of task associated with the event:
- Presentation: information is orally conveyed
- Performance: a dramatic interpretation is included
- Project: a product is produced prior to the day of the event
- Problem Solving: a recommendation or solution is provided
Download the printed version of the 2025-2026 Calendar of Student Future Ready Events. Descriptions of the annual student events can be found below, including contact information and links to further information, if available.
(Grades 3-12, including graduating seniors)
For ticket information, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/tickets
Students from throughout Tulare County are invited to audition each spring. Rehearsals are held during the summer. There are minimal course fees associated with the production, but scholarships are available.
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call 559-651-1482 ext. 3372. For more information, including show times and tickets, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo.
Performing, Responding, Connecting
No student events are scheduled for August.
Project Launch September 8, 2026
(Grades 9-12)
10:00 - 11: 00 a.m., Virtual
No Fee
Tulare and Kings high school students are invited to develop a business proposal addressing climate solutions within their communities in Tulare and Kings counties. This project will launch in the fall with the final presentations being presented on December 10, 2026.
No fee
The Step Up Youth Challenge takes place over the course of the school year, providing an opportunity for Tulare County middle and high school teams to complete a project that will have a positive impact on their school and community.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/StepUp
Challenge Advisor Training (mandatory), September 8, 2026
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Registration required
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349
Speaking and Listening 4;
Project, Problem Solving, Presentation
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia
No fee
In early September each year, the Tulare County Office of Education hosts Tulare County College Night. Hundreds of high school students from throughout Tulare County attend to meet college and university representatives from around the country, including representatives from national trade, art, specialty programs, and military institutions.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/CollegeNight
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
Speaking and Listening 1, 3, 5, 6
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Galaxy Theatres, 1575 Retherford St., Tulare
(Grades 6-12)
Fee: $150/team
Open to students in middle and high school, this conference is designed to empower attendees to develop safe, inclusive, and supportive schools. The conference features a keynote speaker and breakout sessions on topics of diversity, building resiliency,
creating cultures of kindness, teamwork, making healthy choices, leadership, and self-advocacy.
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or 559-651-0155
Presentation
(Grades 9-12)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No Fee
A conference for high school student-athletes, the Huddle is designed to help participants develop leadership skills they can use in team building,
positive communications, and goal setting. The conference features a dynamic keynote speaker and breakout sessions incorporating Pursuing Victory with Honor (PVWH) principles.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/PVWH/Conference
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349
No fee
The Global Cardboard Challenge was inspired by the short film entitled Caine’s Arcade and is a worldwide celebration of childhood creativity and the role communities can play in fostering it. TCOE encourages Tulare County students to participate in the Challenge by spending creative time at home or in the classroom engineering their own cardboard creations, then sharing pictures with TCOE to possibly be included on the Cardboard Challenge website. This Cardboard Challenge engages students in the 4Cs of 21st century learning: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication
Additional information:
CAS: Creating, Presenting
No fee
Tulare County schools and communities participate by nominating students of good character. Top honorees for each of the Six Pillars of Character will be featured throughout the week in the newspapers and honored at the annual Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards.
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Porterville Fairgrounds, 2700 Teapot Dome Ave, Porterville
No fee
The Tulare-Kings Trades Day is a day of career exploration for high school students. The event introduces participants to industry career opportunities in construction, design, subcontracting, heavy equipment, engineering, and other skilled trades. Over 25 partners from the trades, industry, training and post-secondary programs will join together to provide hands-on activities for students to explore their industry, teaching skills such as hammering, concrete mixing, roofing, welding and more!
Show times TBA, TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia
Fee: TBA
The Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. There are minimal course
fees for classes and productions (scholarships are available). Please visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/callboard or TCOE social
media platforms for audition and performance information.
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Location TBA
Fee: $20/student
This hands-on student event is for 4th- through 8th-grade young women. Its focus is to enlighten and spark an interest in STEM field careers: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This conference will help young women discover how interesting and fun math and science can be, form personal contacts with women working in traditionally male occupations, and help them meet other young women interested in math and science.
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 2, 6, 7
Contact:
Alisha Montoya at alisham@tcoe.org or call 559-651-0155, ext. 3625
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or 559-651-0155
Project, Problem Solving
November 19-21 2026
Location TBA
(Grades 1-12)
Fee: $85/student participants (scholarships available).
How To Train Your Dragon JR will be performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings with shows at 7:00 p.m. A Saturday matinee will be performed at 2:00 p.m. A school show will be offered Friday morning, November 20 ,at 9:30 a.m.
The TCOE Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. Fall semester workshops culminate in a full-scale production. There are minimal course fees for classes and productions.
TCOE’s Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia
Audition information, resources, and forms available at tcoe.org/TheatreCo/Callboard
Additional information and ticket purchases:
tcoe.org/TheatreCo/Productions
Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call 559-651-1482 ext. 3372
Performing, Responding, Connecting
December 3, 2026
(Grades 6-8)
Time TBA, TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $75/team (annually)
The TCOE Esports League is an organized competitive gaming program that allows
middle students across Tulare County to form teams and compete in structured gaming
tournaments, much like traditional sports. Within this league, students develop critical
skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, and digital literacy. The
TCOE Esports League creates inclusive opportunities for students who may not be
involved in other extracurriculars, helping them build confidence and a sense of
community.
Additional Information: tcoe.org/esports
Contact: Paula Terrill at 559-651-0565, or paula.terrill@tcoe.org
No fee
Poetry Live! is a series of events that offer students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to not only recite poems written by great poets, but to write and recite their own original works as well. Poetry Live! will feature three events that students can choose to participate in: Poetry Out Loud, Poetry Out Loud Junior and Poet's Own Voice. Students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and improve English fluency and comprehension. The Poetry Out Loud program begins with classroom and school-wide competitions, with winners advancing to county, state, and national competitions.
Coaches Meeting: TBA
Additional information: tcoe.org/PoetryLive
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
Language 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting
Various competition locations, Trial begins at 5:00 p.m. each night
Fee: $500/team
Coaches Meeting: September 9
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Competition Rounds: January 19, 21, 26, and 28, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Superior Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/MockTrial
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
Performance, Problem Solving
Various competition locations, Trial begins at 5:00 p.m. each night
Fee: $500/team
Coaches Meeting: September 15
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center B, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Competition Rounds: January 19, 21, 26, and 28, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Superior Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Finals: February 11, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/MockTrial
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
Performance, Problem Solving
No fee
Project Launch (mandatory for all registered teams to attend): January 28
4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Final Presentations: May 13
4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Contact: 559-739-0314, ext. 3106
Fee: $600/team or $60/at-large competitor
Coaches Meeting: October 1
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Room D, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Online Scrimmage: November 18
Online Essay Competition: January 13
Online Objective Testing: January 27
Speech and Interview Competition: January 30
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Super Quiz and Awards Ceremony: February 6
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/AcademicDecathlon
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1;
Writing 2, 9;
Speaking and Listening 5;
Problem Solving, Performance;
CSS Mathematics Practices: 1
No Fee
The Field Science Day is open to classes of middle and high school students, and community college students. Come conduct original research and collect data on vernal pool ecosystems, measure water levels, and monitor the animals that depend on the pools. Reservations required.
Contact:
CA Environmental Principles and Concepts 2, 4, 5
Fee: $20/student
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
CAS: Creating, Performing, Presenting, Producing, Responding, Connecting
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
A conference for middle school student-athletes, the Huddle is designed to help participants develop leadership skills they can use in team building,
positive communications, and goal setting. The conference features a dynamic keynote speaker and breakout sessions incorporating Pursuing Victory With Honor (PVWH) principles.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/PVWH/Conference
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
Held at the annual Tulare County Office of Education Foundation donor appreciation event, Taste of Tulare-Kings is a culinary competition for teams of students in Tulare and Kings county high school food service pathway programs. Teams are judged on the taste of prepared hors d'oeuvres and dessert samples, and on their overall team presentation. The foundation provided a grant to TCOE's College and Career Readiness program to support this event.
Contact:
To participate, contact Bill Davis at bill.davis@tcoe.org or call 559-302-3674
For more information on the TCOE Foundation, contact foundation@tcoe.org or visit tcoe.org/Foundation
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Location TBA
Fee: $300/team
The Science Olympiad is divided up into three divisions: Division A (grades 3 - 6), Division B (grades 6 - 9), and Division C (grades 9 - 12).
Contact:
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
Virtual exhibition during the month of March
No Fee
Registration due: November 2
Artwork submission and forms due: December 4
Virtual exhibition: Beginning March 1, displaying all districts.
Online location:
tcoe.org/ArtGallery
Additional information: tcoe.org/StudentArt
Contact:
Juliana Davidian at
juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or 559-651-3003
CAS:
Creating, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
Fee: $50/school
Students in 4th through 8th grades compete in the fall at their school sites in classroom and school-wide spelling bees. School site winners are then eligible to compete The Tulare County Spelling Championship. Schools must indicate their intent to participate by December 18, 2026. Annually, over 100 schools participate. The county champion then has the opportunity to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May.
Additional information: tcoe.org/SpellingBee
Speaking and Listening 2, 4
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, and TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia
Fee: $20/project for Science Fair participants; STEAM Expo free to the public
Students in grades 3-12 may participate in the Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair portion of the event. The top winners in this competition (grades 6-12) qualify for the California Science and Engineering Fair. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Expo allows students, families, and community members to participate in a variety of STEAM-related activities. Informational booths and hands-on activities will be available throughout the day. (Grades 3-12)
CAS: Creating, Connecting
Fee: $150/team
Students participate in a game show-style competition, answering questions on topics including the tobacco industry and the health effects of smoking. The event gives students valuable information about the dangers of tobacco and marijuana – before they enter middle school and are presented with the temptation to smoke.
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 3, 6, 8
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
Growing Health Leaders is the TK Healthcare Partnership's annual conference focusing on career exploration for High School students in healthcare pathway programs. Students will attend multiple sessions led by industry professionals of in-demand health occupations.
Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or 559-733-6101, ext. 1123
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Various Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards specific to Industry Sector
No fee
Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or call 559-733-6101, ext. 1123.
No fee
Amanda Driver at circlej@tcoe.org or call 559-539-2263.
CSS SEP Standards:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Fee: $300/team or $30/at-large competitor
Coaches Meeting: October 6
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Room D
Online Scrimmage: January 20
Online Essay Competition and Objective Testing: February 23
SuperQuiz and Awards Ceremony: March 15
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/AcademicDecathlon
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1;
Writing 2, 9;
Problem Solving;
CSS Mathematics Practices: 1
No fee
Books due: February 26, 2027
Virtual exhibition opens: April 1, 2027
Contact:
Juliana Davidian at juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or 559-651-3003
CAS: Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
(Grades 6-8)
Fee: $150/team
Contact:
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or 559-651-0155
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting
April 7, 2027
(Grades 7-8)
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia
Fee: $45/team
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7;
Problem Solving
No fee
Poetry and Prose has been part of TCOE's student events lineup since 1984. Kindergarten through 8th grade students present poetry and prose selections to an audience of students, teachers, family members, and judges at this countywide, oral interpretation event. Students receive constructive feedback on their performance and each participant receives a beautiful, personalized certificate. Students make lifelong memories, gain confidence in performance and public speaking, and are encouraged to develop a love of poetry and literature.
Additional information: tcoe.org/pnp
Contact:
Annette Eickelberg at annette.eickelberg@tcoe.org or call 559-733-6326
CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting
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No fee
Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call 559-539-2642
Fee: $150/team
The Science Olympiad is divided up into three divisions: Division A (grades 3 - 6), Division B (grades 6 - 9), and Division C (grades 9 - 12).
Coaches Meeting: October 20, 2026
4:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
$7 per student and adults; reservation required
Link Up is an internationally-recognized, interactive student music program. Instead of simply listening to the musicians on stage for a single performance, students explore the process of creating and performing the concert music as musicians themselves. Through Link Up, students in grades 3-5 spend the school year learning to play recorder instruments. Their learning culminates in the spring at the Fox Theatre as they sing, dance, and play their instruments along with the orchestra.
Link Up Training: October 6, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., Training details will be provided to registered schools
Contact:
Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting
Fee: $25/team
Interest Meeting: September 10
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Online Zoom meeting
Coaches Meeting: September 22
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Rooms EF, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Reading 1, 2, 6, 10
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
In partnership with Fresno States, the Make a Difference - TEACH Conference is an event to learn about a variety of careers in education. Students will hear from professionals and college programs that could make their interest in this field a reality.
Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or 559-733-6101, ext. 1123
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Various Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards specific to Industry Sector
No fee
Tulare and Kings County eighth-grade students head to the Porterville Fair armed with worksheets, calculators, and accelerometers for lessons in physics.
Additional information: tcoe.org/physicsday
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
May 17, 2027
(Grades 6-8)
Time TBA, TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $75/team (annually)
The TCOE Esports League is an organized competitive gaming program that allows
middle students across Tulare County to form teams and compete in structured gaming
tournaments, much like traditional sports. Within this league, students develop critical
skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, and digital literacy. The
TCOE Esports League creates inclusive opportunities for students who may not be
involved in other extracurriculars, helping them build confidence and a sense of
community.
Additional Information: tcoe.org/esports
Contact: Paula Terrill at 559-651-0565, or paula.terrill@tcoe.org
Fee: $25/team
Interest Meeting: September 10, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Online Zoom meeting
Coaches Meeting: September 22, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Rooms EF, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/ReadingRevolution
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
No fee
The Slick Rock competition provides the opportunity for middle and high school students to submit videos they have created. The best videos will receive an award and be presented to the public at the film festival. Some videos may also be aired on television.
Contact:
Kathleen Green-Martins at kgreen@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6350.
CAS:
Creating, Performing/Producing, Responding, Connecting
Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia, or TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia (No camp will be held Friday, June 18.)
The Theatre Company offers summer camps to Tulare County youth grades TK-1 and 1-6. The summer camps help young performers develop their stage skills through three weeks of performance training. Directors work with participants on refining their voice, dance, and acting skills. The camps culminates in a performance on the evening of the final day of camp.
CAS:
Performing, Responding, Connecting
(Grades 9-12 and recent graduates)
Student stipend provided
CA Environmental Principles and Concepts 2, 4, 5
An outdoor campus located near SCICON, Circle J provides a wide range of field study options for grades K-12, as well as community college students. Programs are designed to expand appreciation of the environmental and aesthetic values of the outdoors
and to increase understanding of the relationship between humans and nature.
Throughout the year, the program also offers a variety of evening and weekend events designed students and their families, including stargazing, bird watching,
and wildflower walks.
Additional information: tcoe.org/SCICON
Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call 559-539-2642
Additional information: tcoe.org/TheatreCo
Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call 559-651-1482
Each spring, the Theatre Company offers a variety of short workshop and performance opportunities throughout the county, including acting, auditioning, dance, and vocal classes. For updates on class offerings, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/Catalog.
Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call 559-651-1482
CAS:
Performing, Connecting, Responding
Through December 23, 2022, the museum will also feature a new exhibition entitled CAMINOS: Latino History of the San Joaquin Valley.
Teachers are encouraged to contact museum staff to schedule visits.
Additional information: tularecountymuseum.org
Contact:
Amy King at aking1@co.tulare.ca.us or call 559-733-6616