Carolyn Jones
Carolyn Jones covers math and science education for EdSource. She was a reporter for 17 years at the San Francisco Chronicle, where she covered the environment, Oakland city hall and other beats. She received the 2011 Harold Gilliam Award for Excellence in Environmental Reporting for stories about the economic impact of environmental restoration, as well as numerous awards for feature writing from the East Bay Press Club. She also covered health care for the Oakland Tribune and education for both the Hayward Daily Review and Sonora Union Democrat. She has a B.A. from UC Berkeley in English and lives in Oakland with her two kids.
All posts by Carolyn Jones
Best way to improve student math scores? Change teachers’ attitudes, study says
Scores rose 8 points after teachers took a course designed to improve their own knowledge.
Carolyn Jones
July 26, 2018
Native Americans push schools to include their story in California history classes
Native Californian history should include more than just 4th-grade mission projects, some teachers say.
Carolyn Jones
July 25, 2018
Far from home and alone: Unaccompanied immigrant youth find refuge in Oakland Unified
Social workers, legal referrals, tutoring and health services are among the district's offerings.
Carolyn Jones
July 18, 2018
San Francisco school finds key to raising math scores: Teacher training
Intensive teacher training led to John Muir Elementary seeing a spike in math scores
Carolyn Jones
July 3, 2018
State budget has nearly $400 million for science, math education — but not teacher training
After-school coding classes, high school tech internships and STEM teacher residencies are among the programs funded in the new state budget.
Carolyn Jones
June 27, 2018
Why California’s rural areas are seeing a surge in homeless youth
Wildfires, floods and soaring housing costs have left thousands of families homeless in outlying areas of the state.
Carolyn Jones
June 12, 2018
New all-girls public school in LA implements strategy to boost math achievement
The district-run math-and-science school opened in 2016 and already has a waiting list of 400.
Carolyn Jones
June 11, 2018
Good news for C students and English majors – tech jobs are for you, too, study says
Too many students think 'STEM is only for the smartest of the smart,' while millions of jobs go unfilled.
Carolyn Jones
June 6, 2018
Latino, African-Americans have less access to math, science classes, new data show
New data from the Office of Civil Rights shows wide gaps in advanced math and science enrollment.
Carolyn Jones
May 22, 2018
High school math needs major overhaul, teachers group says
The report by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics report calls for an end to tracking, and more practical course offerings.
Carolyn Jones
May 8, 2018
A new venue for video games: K-12 classrooms
More teachers are using Minecraft and other digital games to teach history, science, math and other subjects.
Carolyn Jones
May 3, 2018
California schools getting a little greener as environmental education guidelines roll out
California's environmental standards are among the top in the nation, but implementation "is a big lift."
Carolyn Jones
April 30, 2018
Abuse, violence common among LGBT homeless youth, study finds
A new national survey reveals a complex trajectory of how LGBT youth become homeless.
Carolyn Jones
April 25, 2018
Rural schools find ways to bring science innovations closer to home
Mobile science labs, Skype lessons with scientists and robotics workshops are among the offerings at some remote schools.
Carolyn Jones
April 24, 2018
Child poverty drops in California, but is still the nation’s highest
22.8 percent of the state's children are living below the poverty threshold
Carolyn Jones
April 17, 2018
Illuminating science for blind students, with help from latest tech devices
The technology, combined with supportive teachers, has opened the door to science careers.
Carolyn Jones
April 10, 2018
Federal help available to California schools struggling with wildfire costs
Funding is available for bus service for displaced students, staff overtime, air filters and other fire-related expenses.
Carolyn Jones
March 26, 2018
Measures to fund child care reach the ballot in two California counties
New taxes would subsidize child care for low- and middle-income families.
Carolyn Jones
March 25, 2018
Finally, enough beakers for everyone: Oakland teacher wins grant for state-of-the-art science lab
$20,000 award from National Science Teachers Association will provide much-needed supplies to East Oakland middle school
Carolyn Jones
March 18, 2018
Teacher shortage, lack of supplies hinder rollout of new science standards, report finds
Low-income and low-performing schools are facing the most obstacles in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards.
Carolyn Jones
March 12, 2018
Lullaby of algebra: How mixing music and math helps engage students
Music can help students remember math formulas and relieve stress in the classroom, studies show.
Carolyn Jones
March 11, 2018
There are many benefits to starting science education early — very early
Report finds that even infants can learn abstract scientific concepts, and starting early can help them with science later on.
Carolyn Jones
March 8, 2018
Fear, absenteeism, falling grades among impacts of immigration crackdown, study finds
A UCLA survey of 730 schools nationwide found widespread negative impacts related to deportation fears.
Carolyn Jones
March 4, 2018
‘Big data’ classes a big hit in California high schools
At least 30 high schools now offer classes in data science, one of the state's most in-demand and highest-paying careers.
Carolyn Jones
February 19, 2018
Science education funding still in Trump’s crosshairs, despite being saved by Congress
2019 budget proposal eliminates NASA education office and teacher training grants.
Carolyn Jones
February 13, 2018
Brown appoints 15 to new K-12 computer science panel
The move is a step forward in California's plan for computer science standards in public schools.
Carolyn Jones
February 12, 2018
Trump's proposed cuts to science education would be 'devastating,' educators say
NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and teacher training grants face more than $3 billion in cuts as Congress debates 2018 budget.
Carolyn Jones
February 7, 2018
‘It’s a big world out there’: Teachers take math outside the classroom
Learning math at the beach, on a city street, at the playground can engage even the most math-averse students, teachers say
Carolyn Jones
February 4, 2018
Homeless students, destroyed campuses, ‘invisible injuries’: What California schools learned from recent disasters
School leaders share their tips for helping students and staff cope during and after natural disasters.
Carolyn Jones
January 29, 2018
New science standards a boon for the littlest learners
Hands-on science projects emphasized in California's new science standards are a hit with K-2 students, teachers say.
Carolyn Jones
January 21, 2018
Schools become a 'safe haven' for Salvadoran students in wake of crackdown
More than 50,000 U.S.-born students in California have Salvadoran parents who had temporary protected status.
Carolyn Jones
January 11, 2018
Funding, teacher training top educators' wish lists for science education in 2018
High-quality training in the new science standards needs to be a priority for districts in 2018, some leading educators say.
Carolyn Jones
January 11, 2018
Despite cutbacks, auto shops play a role in math and science education in California schools
Auto shops still thrive at some high schools, despite a shift to more academic course offerings.
Carolyn Jones
January 3, 2018
Young, gay and living on the street: LGBT youth face increased odds of homelessness
Of the nation's 1.6 million homeless youth, 40 percent identify as LGBT, according to one survey.
Carolyn Jones
January 1, 2018
California schools get an ‘F’ in financial literacy instruction
A new report ranks California among the nation's worst in teaching about student loans, credit cards and personal finance.
Carolyn Jones
December 21, 2017
From the field to the classroom: Pro sports teams are becoming players in math, science education
49ers, Ducks, other teams offer free curriculum to California teachers.
Carolyn Jones
December 18, 2017
How one California district narrowed its Latino achievement gap
Strong teacher-student relationships are a key to success at Covina-Valley Unified
Carolyn Jones
December 11, 2017
How one California school district is leading the way on new science standards
Torrance Unified has trained nearly all its teachers and introduced Next Generation Science Standards to all 24,000 students
Carolyn Jones
December 10, 2017
Coding lessons take spotlight this week across California and beyond
Computer Science Education Week part of a broad effort to prepare young people for jobs and diversify the tech field.
Carolyn Jones
December 4, 2017
Fizz! Pop! Bang! Teachers find new science standards fun, but costly
Teachers say they're spending hundreds out of pocket to pay for science experiment supplies.
Carolyn Jones
November 26, 2017
Young and homeless in America
University of Chicago researchers surveyed 26,000 young people ages 13 to 25 to gauge the extent of homelessness.
Carolyn Jones
November 16, 2017
Fires, floods, hurricanes: Teachers turn natural disasters into science and history lessons
Learning about disasters can minimize students' stress and help future generations minimize risks, teachers say.
Carolyn Jones
November 14, 2017
Understanding how schools serve homeless children in California : a quick guide
Federal law guarantees homeless children a right to an education, regardless of where they're living.
Carolyn Jones
November 12, 2017
Latino students in California face large inequities compared to white peers
An Education Trust-West study found wide achievement gaps, even though Latino students make up a majority of students.
Carolyn Jones
November 8, 2017
Suspension, expulsion rates fall sharply in California, but racial and ethnic disparities remain
New state data shows 46 percent drop in school suspensions over the last five years. The suspension rate for African American students in 2016-17 was 9.8 percent, for Latino students 3.7 percent, for white students 3.2 percent, and for Asian students 1.1 percent.
Carolyn Jones
November 1, 2017
High hopes but few details for Trump's $200 million STEM pledge
Computer science programs expected to be a priority for Department of Education grants
Carolyn Jones
October 30, 2017
In face of shortage, California colleges to shrink time to become a math teacher
State grants allow campuses to shorten credential process from 5 1/2 to 4 years.
Carolyn Jones
October 29, 2017
In aftermath of fires, schools brace for newly homeless students
As of Monday, Oct. 30 all schools had re-opened except Riebli elementary, Schaefer elementary, Roseland Collegiate Prep and Hidden Valley Satellite. Students at those schools are attending other schools, at least temporarily.
Carolyn Jones
October 19, 2017
California voters strongly back expanded K-12 science and computer education, poll shows
Most respondents in this Berkeley IGS/EdSource poll have not heard of the Next Generation Science Standards, although they endorse its goals when given an explanation
Carolyn Jones
October 15, 2017
Signs of hope amid Smarter Balanced math scores
Third-graders, the first class taught according to Common Core standards since kindergarten, show the biggest gains.
Carolyn Jones
October 8, 2017
Shelters, cars and crowded rooms
An EdSource special report on how the housing crisis has forced more students into homelessness.
Carolyn Jones and Daniel J. Willis
October 2, 2017
Amid affluence, youth homelessness surges in the Bay Area
Nearly 15,000 children living in shelters, motels, cars or "doubled up" with other families
Carolyn Jones and Daniel J. Willis
October 2, 2017
Schools face challenge bringing homeless children out of the shadows
Over a quarter of the state’s nearly 10,500 schools report zero homeless students meaning homeless students in those districts aren't receiving the specialized assistance required by state and federal law.
Carolyn Jones and Daniel J. Willis
October 2, 2017
Immigration crackdown taking heavy toll on California students
Tears, stress and absenteeism are increasingly common among immigrant students, teachers say.
Carolyn Jones
September 28, 2017
Guide to new science standards now available in Spanish
Free online brochure explains Next Generation Science Standards for parents.
Carolyn Jones
September 26, 2017
Saved by the peace and quiet at a growing number of California schools
Some campuses are quieter and tardiness is down as schools shut off their bell systems
Carolyn Jones
September 12, 2017
California pledges $30 million for Dreamers to pay for college, legal help
Funding is intended to help those threatened by Trump's decision to end DACA
Carolyn Jones
September 12, 2017
California sues Trump over end of 'Dreamer' program
California joins UC, other states in trying to save program that protects undocumented young people
Carolyn Jones
September 11, 2017
UC sues Trump over order to end protections for 'Dreamers'
UC President Janet Napolitano seeks to stop the reversal of the program she helped create.
Carolyn Jones
September 8, 2017
California's DACA students brace for uncertain future
Repeal of Obama-era immigration program leaves "Dreamers" anxious but prepared to fight back
Carolyn Jones, Larry Gordon, and Daniel J. Willis
September 5, 2017
California colleges undaunted by Trump's decision to phase out DACA
Undocumented students will continue to be welcome at UC, CSU and community colleges, education leaders say.
Carolyn Jones
September 1, 2017
What it means when a school district declares itself a 'safe haven' or 'sanctuary': a quick guide
Definitions of “sanctuary” vary from district to district, but in most cases it means that school staff will not allow federal immigration agents on campus without a warrant, subpoena or court order.
Carolyn Jones
August 10, 2017
Fade to black: How teachers are using the solar eclipse to shed light on science
Rare astronomical phenomena on Aug. 21 coincides with the start of school for many districts.
Carolyn Jones
August 7, 2017
Tech nonprofit helping African-American teens get ahead in coding
Hidden Genius Project, among others, provides free programming classes to underrepresented groups.
Carolyn Jones
July 25, 2017
New class leads to big gains in number of girls, minorities taking AP computer science exams
A new AP Computer Science Principles class focuses on the “big ideas” behind computer science.
Carolyn Jones
July 23, 2017
Mobile classroom brings education to the hardest-to-reach students
Five Keys Charter School's refurbished bus will help high school dropouts earn their diplomas or GEDs.
Carolyn Jones
July 19, 2017
Summer and school year programs give the very lowest math achievers answers, and hope
Intensive summer programs, extra tutoring, online courses among districts' offerings
Carolyn Jones
July 5, 2017
National arts scores are in, and the western U.S. lags behind
Despite its creativity-focused economy, California arts education among the nation's worst
Carolyn Jones
June 28, 2017
From Kabul to Mountain View: World's top girl coders headed to California this summer
The Technovation contest is one of many summer programs aimed at encouraging girls to pursue math and computer science.
Carolyn Jones
June 27, 2017
Middle-school students embrace endless summer ... of linear equations
Free summer programs help kids struggling in math get a head start on algebra and geometry.
Carolyn Jones
June 11, 2017
Students perform better at schools offering extra services on campus, study finds
Learning Policy Institute research shows student achievement improves at schools that offer on-campus social services.
Carolyn Jones
June 7, 2017
More teachers turning to nonprofits for innovative science lessons
Nonprofit organizations like Save the Frogs are helping schools implement California's new science standards.
Carolyn Jones
June 4, 2017
Fresno tackles its shortage of math and science teachers
The state's fourth-largest school district is among the leaders in finding creative ways to staff classrooms.
Carolyn Jones
May 31, 2017
A Fresno staffer finds his way from business to high school chemistry teacher
After 20 years on the job, a fiscal analyst begins a new career as a high school teacher.
Carolyn Jones
May 30, 2017
California programs to entice would-be teachers to the classroom
Statewide efforts to increase the number of math and science teachers have had some impact.
Carolyn Jones
May 30, 2017
Program helps switch from Silicon Valley to teaching math and engineering
Former engineer makes the transition to high school teacher.
Carolyn Jones
May 30, 2017
Math, science professionals say goodbye to the office park, hello to the classroom
To help solve California's math and science teacher shortage, new programs aim to help mid-career professionals switch careers.
Carolyn Jones
May 30, 2017
Bill would help California schools teach about 'fake news,' media literacy
The bill would require a committee of educators, librarians and media experts to create guidelines for teachers.
Carolyn Jones
May 24, 2017
'Hamilton' curriculum brings U.S. history to life for high school students
Thousands of low-income students get to see the Broadway show for free as part of the EduHam history program.
Carolyn Jones
May 14, 2017
Pilot science test underway in California, despite dispute with federal officials
Computer-based exam based on Next Generation Science Standards to be given through June.
Carolyn Jones
April 28, 2017
Judge blocks Trump's order to withhold funding to 'sanctuary' jurisdictions
Nearly 60 California school districts have declared themselves safe havens for undocumented immigrants.
Carolyn Jones
April 25, 2017
Science teachers to join march to oppose what they see as threat to quality education
Those who are participating say it's important to fight funding cuts to science agencies and education.
Carolyn Jones
April 20, 2017
New science standards raise hopes for narrowing achievement gap
Next Generation Science Standards aim to reach minorities, English learners and others underrepresented in science fields.
Carolyn Jones
April 13, 2017
San Bernardino shooting puts spotlight on school safety
State law requires schools to have comprehensive safety plans.
Carolyn Jones and Theresa Harrington
April 10, 2017
Guidelines designed to help districts implement new science standards
Teacher support and high-quality materials are key, according to a new report.
Carolyn Jones
March 29, 2017
Some schools trading the blacktop for greentop as an innovative way to teach science
Some schools are replacing asphalt play yards with trees, flowers, and vegetables.
Carolyn Jones
March 26, 2017
Girls draw even with boys in high school STEM classes, but still lag in college and careers
Girls score the same as boys on math and science tests, but women make up only 29 percent of the STEM workforce.
Carolyn Jones
March 12, 2017
California State University extends protections for undocumented students
The chancellor's statement is the latest salvo in colleges' protest of federal immigration policies.
Carolyn Jones
February 23, 2017
Teachers eye potential of virtual reality to enhance science instruction
As prices come down, more schools are using high-tech headsets to supplement science lessons.
Carolyn Jones
February 20, 2017
California renews push to promote environmental literacy in schools
New standards, among the most comprehensive in the nation, focus on human impacts.
Carolyn Jones
February 12, 2017
A push to get books, not tech, into the hands of young readers
A national nonprofit visits Oakland to distribute free books to elementary students.
Carolyn Jones
February 9, 2017
School districts step up protections for immigrant students
More school districts vow to protect immigrant students despite threats from the Trump administration.
Carolyn Jones
February 5, 2017
Hundreds protest in Oakland against Trump's nominee for education secretary
Teachers, administrators and parents object to DeVos’ positions promoting charter schools and vouchers.
Carolyn Jones
January 31, 2017
Students respond enthusiastically to new science standards in 'early adopter' districts
The approach encourages hands-on learning through experiments.
Carolyn Jones
January 18, 2017
Report: Innovative science instruction boosts academic performance among English learners
In some cases, English learners outscored their English-proficient peers on standardized tests.