Ali Tadayon
Ali Tadayon covers West Contra Costa Unified School District and other K-12 issues for EdSource. Prior to joining EdSource at the start of 2020 as a Journalism Resident, he covered the cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Emeryville, El Cerrito and San Pablo for the Bay Area News Group. Tadayon cut his teeth as a crime reporter at the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, CA and the Post Register in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His work has earned several awards, including two John Swett Awards from the California Teachers Association for coverage of the Oakland Unified School District. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
All articles by Ali Tadayon
Free school meals for all here to stay in California
California will launch a universal school meals program in the 2022-23 school year, ensuring all students have access to stigma-free food.
Ali Tadayon
July 27, 2021
California K-12 Covid safety practices for the new school year | Q&A
K-12 districts have guidance on how to safely reopen campuses when California schools resume in the fall. Here's what you need to know.
Ali Tadayon
July 23, 2021
How a California middle school’s history project led to name change
A West Contra Costa Unified middle school is moving to change its name after taking a critical look at its namesake — a Franciscan missionary.
Ali Tadayon
June 21, 2021
Quick guide: How do college savings accounts work?
Learn more about college savings accounts and state and local proposals to start them for low-income youth.
Ali Tadayon And Betty Márquez Rosales
June 4, 2021
How California college savings accounts sow the seeds of higher learning at a young age
Experts say college savings account programs, like the one proposed by Gov. Newsom for low-income students, can get families to look forward to college for their children.
Ali Tadayon
May 20, 2021
In face of anxieties, West Contra Costa Unified commits to full in-person instruction in fall
District officials approved an “action statement” to reassure doubtful families that all students will be allowed back to campuses next school year.
Ali Tadayon
April 30, 2021
New superintendent for West Contra Costa Unified has concrete ideas for closing achievement gaps
Kenneth “Chris” Hurst brings 23 years of experience, having worked as a teacher, principal, associate superintendent and superintendent.
Ali Tadayon
April 23, 2021
USDA extends free meals through next school year
Advocates say being able to provide students free meals without checking eligibility is crucial to addressing child hunger during the pandemic.
Ali Tadayon
April 20, 2021
California governor doubles down on call to reopen schools in the fall
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday reiterated his call for schools to reopen for full-time in-person instruction in the fall.
Ali Tadayon
April 14, 2021
California moving to pioneer free meals for all students
A Senate bill that's gaining traction could lead to free school meals for all California K-12 students starting 2022-23.
Ali Tadayon
April 8, 2021
Gov. Newsom expects full in-person fall return to school after state scraps color-coded tiers
State officials plan to retire the “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” color-coded tier system on June 15, and said they expect full-time in-person instruction in the fall.
Ali Tadayon And John Fensterwald
April 6, 2021
Teachers, school staff vote to ratify West Contra Costa Unified's return to school plan
West Contra Costa Unified students will be able to return to the classroom April 19 for limited in-person options following weeks of intense labor negotiations.
Ali Tadayon
April 5, 2021
Quick Guide: What California’s now defunct color-coded county tracking system meant for schools
Learn more about the state's tiered system of assessing coronavirus risk and how it relates to schools.
Ali Tadayon
April 4, 2021
Parent group pushes back against Bay Area district’s limited in-person plan
A local parent group is pushing back against a tentative agreement reached Friday between West Contra Costa Unified and its employee unions to offer limited in-person instruction beginning April 19. The group is considering suing the district if it doesn't return to full in-person instruction.
Ali Tadayon
March 23, 2021
Bay Area school district among first to announce plans for summer school
West Contra Costa Unified has committed to an in-person summer school program in an effort to reduce learning loss over the past year.