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
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.
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.