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
California districts anticipate major hits to their 2022-23 budgets as enrollments drop
School districts seeing major enrollment and attendance drops fear substantial funding cuts in the 2022-23 school year.
Ali Tadayon
October 18, 2021
Inside one California school's approach to reading as a 'civil right'
Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond is revamping its literacy program this year with a greater emphasis on phonics both in lessons and one-on-one intervention, as well as on classroom discussion and grade-level, culturally relevant texts.
Ali Tadayon
October 4, 2021
East Bay middle school renamed to honor local 100-year-old park ranger and activist
Renowned civil rights activist and National Park ranger Betty Reid Soskin spent her 100th birthday at an El Sobrante middle school that renamed itself after her.
Ali Tadayon
September 22, 2021
State superintendent sets goal to get all California third graders reading by 2026
State officials eye legislation aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of struggling early readers.
Ali Tadayon
September 22, 2021
West Contra Costa Unified and Oakland Unified poised to be first Northern California districts to mandate student vaccinations
West Contra Costa and Oakland Unified will follow Culver City Unified, L.A. Unified in requiring students 12 and up to get vaccinated to attend in person.
Ali Tadayon
September 15, 2021
Teachers face the challenges of returning to the classroom
Teachers talk about how they are building relationships, addressing technology burnout and teaching social-emotional learning as campuses reopen.
Ali Tadayon
September 1, 2021
Inside one Bay Area school district's first day of school
Teachers from West Contra Costa Unified will be reaching out to families one-on-one to address anxieties and ask about hopes for the next year.
Ali Tadayon
August 17, 2021
As new school year begins, a focus on social and emotional health
West Contra Costa Unified and other districts are emphasizing social and emotional learning and check-ins as students return to campus.
Ali Tadayon
August 13, 2021
California requires vaccinations or weekly Covid tests for all school staff
Teachers' and classified staff unions support governor's decision to require vaccinations or regular testing for school employees.
Ali Tadayon And Carolyn Jones
August 11, 2021
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.