EdSource Commentaries
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California's school pension funding plan is working
Current defined-benefit pension plan is the best option for California teachers, author says.
Grant Boyken
April 15, 2019
How one district achieved a more collaborative labor-management partnership
San Jose Unified and its teachers union offer model for how to move from combat to collaboration, researcher says.
Joel Knudson
April 11, 2019
Better data helps San Diego schools more effectively address chronic absenteeism
Effective use of data can help schools do more of what works and less of what doesn’t, authors say.
Debbie Lieberman and Tia Anzellotti
April 4, 2019
Lack of effective state education data system holds students back
Longitudinal system that connects K-12 and higher ed could help more students complete college.
Michal Kurlaender
April 2, 2019
California needs a better education data system but who will manage it?
A well-constructed higher-education coordinating entity could change the course of California education from opaque and siloed to transparent and coordinated.
Ria Sengupta Bhatt
March 25, 2019
A cap on charters would only cap family choices
Don't ignore the powerful impact charter schools have on student's lives, former student says.
Michael Phillips
March 20, 2019
Bringing education closer to home helps vulnerable kids
Initiative takes afterschool programs to affordable housing communities.
Jennifer Peck
March 12, 2019
Grades must reflect mastery, not just effort
More attention, training needed to solve the problem of misleading grades, author says.
Derrick Chau
March 10, 2019
Charter schools are not to blame for Oakland Unified's financial woes
Scapegoating charters not the solution to district's labor dispute, author says.
Eric Premack
February 28, 2019
Why I am on the picket line, not in my classroom
A teacher’s perspective on the Oakland strike
Ginger Cook
February 21, 2019
Oakland superintendent: District must choose 'imperfect solutions over strife'
Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell, a former Oakland Unified teacher and principal, says district has to live within its "current financial reality" and end the "same repeated conversations that we have been having for decades."
Kyla Johnson-Trammell
February 20, 2019
Oakland principals support teachers but call for more state and local funds
Open letter in support of Oakland Unified teachers signed by 75 principals from district.
By principals from Oakland Unified School District
February 18, 2019
Schools need more resources for student mental health and wellness
Changes to current state law could enable schools to more easily access federal mental health funds.
Laura Wasco and Jeff Frost
February 12, 2019
Comprehensive sexual health education in school saves lives
Delays in implementing health education law and curriculum can put students at risk, teacher says.
Kelli Bourne
February 5, 2019
Quality must be at the heart of expanding early childhood education in California
While access has to early childhood education has improved, quality still varies across the state.
Meera Mani
January 29, 2019
Building a system of support for California students — from the ground up
Partnerships and collaboration are key to achieving school improvement goals.
Tom Armelino
January 23, 2019
California does not have to start from scratch in building new education data system
Data system can connect information from K-12 to college and beyond but must be useful and easy to use.
Brad C. Phillips
January 17, 2019
Will we step up for California public schools in 2019?
Former California secretary of education suggests 10 ways to help schools succeed.
Glen Thomas
January 13, 2019
State board of education president, and governor’s ally, leaves mark on California education
Michael Kirst has helped lead the state through significant education reforms.
Dick Jung
January 7, 2019
Parents, educators should scrutinize concepts of gender and sexual identity in state's health education framework
Framework creates guidelines for California K-12 curriculum.
Brenda Lebsack
December 19, 2018
Public education must promote participation in democratic process
Civic engagement by young people strengthens the social fabric and our democracy, authors say.
Henry A. J. Ramos and Eric C. Abrams
December 10, 2018
Measuring growth in test scores is key to understanding student progress
School communities need actionable data and a complete picture of progress to support meaningful changes for students.
Steve Martinez and Rick Miller
November 26, 2018
A three-point education agenda for California in 2019
Newly elected policymakers should focus on supporting teachers, helping struggling students, and better aligning teaching materials to state standards, say former California secretaries of education Gary Hart and Glen Thomas
Gary K. Hart and Glen Thomas
November 9, 2018
California needs a new master plan to close the education equity gap
State must invest new revenues in public education and modernize data system, author says.
John Affeldt
October 31, 2018
Correctable vision problems hinder learning for too many children
Early detection and correction of poor vision is key to giving all children an equal opportunity to learn.
Kristan Gross
October 12, 2018
How to promote integrity and combat plagiarism in the college classroom
Increasing students' confidence in their own writing, helping them check their work reduces plagiarism, professors say.
Lisa Boutin-Vitela and Julie Trager
October 4, 2018
Too many college students are not going back to school this fall
But social and emotional support can help more students succeed in college.
Omar Butler
October 2, 2018
Evidence justifies limiting student suspensions for disruptive behavior
Eliminating 'willful defiance' as a basis for suspending students does not result in more serious discipline problems
Dan Losen
September 24, 2018
An urgent call for student leaders
The student position on the State Board of Education is California's most prominent opportunity for a student to participate in improving school systems.
Jeff Camp
September 22, 2018
Reversing 760,000 lost days of learning in our schools
Schools must be both creative and effective at responding to discipline problems.
Pedro A. Noguera and Joseph P. Bishop
September 17, 2018
California embraces computer science in its schools
California State Board of Education adopted California’s first ever model K-12 computer science standards last week.
Trish Williams
September 13, 2018
Offering the SAT instead of Smarter Balanced will open doors to college
11th graders suffering test fatigue from too many tests and SAT better positions underserved students for college, proponents say.
Christopher J. Steinhauser
August 29, 2018
Substituting SAT/ACT for Smarter Balanced tests is not a smart idea
College entrance exams less fair, more at risk for problems, opponents say.
Jay Rosner
August 29, 2018
Research backs California's push to reform remedial math education
Students do better in for-credit classes with extra support than when they are pushed into no-credit remedial algebra, studies show.
Alexandra W. Logue
August 20, 2018
Ethnic studies should be a high school requirement
Schools would tailor their courses to reflect the student demographics in their communities, authors say.
Luis A. Alejo and Jose Lara
August 14, 2018
California must continue to lead in closing the bilingual skills gap
In addition to English and Spanish, proficiency in other languages is also important
David Bong
July 19, 2018
Need to rethink tying high-school diploma to college course requirements
Requiring graduates meet California State University requirements may deny diplomas to otherwise prepared students.
Russell W. Rumberger
July 1, 2018
With California in the lead, LGBTQ history gets boost in school curriculum
California's FAIR Education Act is being emulated in Illinois and Massachusetts.
James Hilton Harrell
June 26, 2018
California falls short in underwriting meals for state's youngest children
Continued lack of state investment in Child and Adult Care Food Program means fewer child care providers can offer free meals.
Franny Wong
June 20, 2018
How rewarding positive behavior turned around our school
Breaking the chain of misbehavior and punishment by recognizing students for what they do right.
Chelsea Ramirez and Jacob Rosario
June 11, 2018
Student organizations open pathways to college and careers
Career technical student organizations provide hands-on, real world experience to high school students.
Ron Anaya
May 23, 2018
Community college reforms are on the right track
Colleges must become more student-focused in their practices, advocates say.
Michele Siqueiros
May 21, 2018
A closer look at California’s impressive educational performance
Recent reforms are translating into improved performance, says former state schools chief.
Bill Honig
May 9, 2018
New science test must be part of California's school accountability system
State must signal importance of science to accelerate implementation of new science standards.
Jill Grace and Vincent Stewart
May 7, 2018
Trust students, not tests, to open pathway to community college success
How students do in high school is a better indicator than proficiency tests to determine if they are ready for college-level courses.
Jacqui Irwin and Eloy Ortiz Oakley
May 2, 2018
Teachers need more time to grow professionally before earning tenure
Providing new teachers more time and support to master the diverse skills their jobs call for would reduce staff turnover.
Josh Brown
April 26, 2018
Discovering gold in California’s schools
Educators across the state are hard at work creating a brighter future for all those kids who historically have been underserved.
Carl Cohn
April 17, 2018
Students need connection and support, not guns and guards
Ask young people what they need to feel safe, author says.
Diana Cruz
April 16, 2018
President Trump, community colleges are much more than vocational schools
Community colleges are as diverse as the communities they serve.
Larry Galizio
April 11, 2018
Financial literacy can hold key to college success
Timely financial advice and coaching increases graduation rates for low-income students.
Melissa Fries
April 10, 2018
A quiet revolt reshaping the pathway to college
Alternatives to algebra open up new opportunities for students.
Pamela Burdman
April 8, 2018
LA Unified board must seek more public input into new superintendent search
Search for new superintendent must build trust, create unity and provide a mandate.
John Rogers and Donald Cohen
April 2, 2018
Great teachers make every student feel included
A public school teacher’s job is to provide a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.
Jillayne Antoon
March 26, 2018
Community engagement is the key to making California's school funding formula work
Report says district focus on community engagement is vital for successful implementation.
Daniel Humphrey
March 14, 2018
California should stay the course with its education plan
The State Board of Education should approve the revised Every Student Succeeds Act state plan without delay.
Linda Darling-Hammond
March 12, 2018
After-school programs level the playing field
Proposed cuts to federal program would be catastrophic for local after-school partnerships.
Elizabeth Babcock
February 21, 2018
When transcript typos stand in the way of college
Failure of districts to update A-G course lists can result in students being denied admission to UC/CSU despite meeting requirements.
John Watson
February 6, 2018
California leaders must act to extend progress on school discipline
Legislature has until July 1 to extend ban on suspending students for willful defiance of school authorities, a category that is used too often to punish students for minor infractions
Robert Ross
January 24, 2018
State must improve the California School Dashboard, not move the goalposts
Equity advocates give California an incomplete grade on its new accountability system.
Vernon M. Billy and Ryan J. Smith
January 17, 2018
School district networks use improvement science to get results
Districts seek to narrow achievement gaps, especially at the middle-school level.
Rick Miller
January 16, 2018
Male teachers provide important role models
Our society should celebrate and respect male teachers in the same way we idolize sports figures and celebrities.
Josh Brown
December 21, 2017
Creating a culture of coaching to support teachers in every school
Instructional coaching, peer feedback, and strategic use of technology can help administrators build an ecosystem of support that keeps high-achieving teachers in the classroom.
Michael Moody
December 19, 2017
California must set ambitious goals to combat chronic absenteeism
California still has work to do to make new indicator of school attendance more meaningful.
Phyllis Jordan
December 12, 2017
New California 'dashboard' will prompt deeper questions about student and school performance
Parents are both capable of understanding multiple data points and eager to know more about their school’s successes and challenges.
Dianna MacDonald
December 11, 2017
The urgent need for a system of support for California schools
In particular, says Carl Cohn, there is a "moral imperative" for California to take on the challenge of more effectively serving students with disabilities
Carl Cohn
December 7, 2017
California School Dashboard provides opportunity for schools 'to turn data into action'
The dashboard moves California one step closer to completing a sweeping overhaul of public education aimed at better preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Michael Kirst and Tom Torlakson
December 6, 2017
Declaring a truce in the charter versus district school wars
Support for teachers and principals is far more important than "crushing the competition," which, charter school pioneer Don Shalvey says, should be left to the NFL.
Don Shalvey
November 26, 2017
Encouraging students to make mistakes to improve math outcomes
San Francisco Unified incorporates social and emotional learning in math curriculum to provide richer academic lessons and improve student outcomes.
Lizzy Hull Barnes
November 19, 2017
What went wrong can go right with fixing remedial education at CSU
The Chancellor's Office must work with the faculty to implement changes to remedial and general education courses in the California State University System.
Harry Hellenbrand
November 2, 2017
New system of support contributes to student success
Multi-tiered system of support helps educators solve problems before they become problems.
Al Mijares
September 13, 2017
California plan puts state on the right track to achieve academic goals for its students
Plan ensures maximum flexibility for California to continue its ground-breaking educational reforms.
Gary Toebben
September 12, 2017
California's education plan must be more transparent about student performance
State can support schools and districts without shame and blame while also showing clearly how students are doing.
Samantha Tran
September 12, 2017
California's education plan affirms commitment to local control
California's ESSA plan meets the federal government’s requirements while affirming the state's commitment to local control that allows teachers, principals and superintendents to meet the needs of our diverse students.
Michael Kirst
September 11, 2017
To judge teacher effectiveness, parents must look at the whole school
While your child’s teacher certainly matters, parents should care at least as much about the whole team their child’s teacher is working with, including the principal.
Tara Kini
September 6, 2017
With multiple challenges, rural schools warrant far more attention
Educators in California's rural schools face challenges that are different but just as daunting as those of their urban counterparts.
Carl Cohn
August 28, 2017
Data essential to ensure students are prepared for college and careers
California scored above the national average in reporting of college and career readiness data but there is still work to be done.
Lisa Gonzales and Shelly Masur
August 21, 2017
California must take steps to grow the bilingual teacher workforce
Teacher shortage limits districts' ability to expand bilingual offerings.
Vickie Ramos Harris and Shelly Spiegel-Coleman
July 12, 2017
California moves to expand K-12 computer science instruction
New state budget includes funding for two significant initiatives to expand K-12 student access to computer science coursework and instruction.
Trish Williams
July 5, 2017
Research shows transitional kindergarten benefit for English learners
English learners in transitional kindergarten show significant gains.
Deborah Kong
July 2, 2017
Destigmatizing suicide to save lives
As a society, we need to be more comfortable discussing suicide with children.
Takesha Cooper, MD
June 21, 2017
The multiple benefits of learning two languages
California has taken important steps to support dual language learners.
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio
June 14, 2017
Ensuring access to summer learning for all students
Failing to invest in after-school and summer programs would undermine two decades of work to help communities close the learning gap for children of color, low-income children and working class families.
Jennifer Peck
June 12, 2017
At Cal State, algebra is a civil rights issue
A college degree can break the cycle of poverty. CSU must take steps to ensure that math requirements do not pose arbitrary and discriminatory barriers.
Christopher Edley, Jr.
June 5, 2017
California must do much more to invest in a strong teacher workforce
California is in the midst of a serious and growing teacher shortage and state leaders must invest in building a prepared and stable teacher workforce.
David Rattray
May 31, 2017
LAUSD election, new data provide momentum for charter schools
New research shows that charter schools are improving the achievement of the predominantly minority and low-income students in Los Angeles Unified School District.
Lance Izumi
May 30, 2017
California must save its successful after-school programs
If the state does not increase funding for these high-quality programs, up to 29 percent of them could shut down in the next two years, leaving more than 120,000 students with nowhere to go when the school day ends.
Connie Leyva and Anthony Portantino
May 16, 2017
Californians must support all students
As California's student population has grown and become much more diverse, teachers need support from parents, community members and lawmakers to ensure all students get the public education they deserve.
Eric C. Heins
May 9, 2017
Understanding teacher layoffs during times of teacher shortages
Layoffs are local, but teacher shortages are statewide.
Patrick M. Shields And Roberta Furger
March 23, 2017
It is up to states to ensure English learner and immigrant students receive a quality education
The simple answer: It depends on the actions of state and local policymakers where those students live.
Julie Sugarman
March 17, 2017
The yawning education gap
Is the recent acceptance by much of the electorate of “alternative facts” and gargantuan falsehoods a measure of educational failure in history, government and economics?
Peter Schrag
March 9, 2017
LA teachers union should focus on unity, not division
The best response to our current president is a vast increase in constructive, empowered, diverse and open-minded voices.
Mark Gozonsky
March 2, 2017
Schools can help students learn to spot fake news
Will California’s schools push back against post-truth politics? New research shows that it’s possible.
Joseph Kahne and Benjamin Bowyer
February 23, 2017
Placement tests land many students in a math maze instead of on pathways to success
At some CSU campuses, even passing the system’s math placement test or completing remedial requirements won’t ensure that students avoid remedial math.
Pamela Burdman
February 19, 2017
CSU needs more effective way to assess students' math readiness
Current placement practices may force some students into remedial math courses they don’t need, jeopardizing their progress through college.
Pamela Burdman
February 15, 2017
The Power of Two: embracing both proficiency and growth
To measure achievement, CORE Districts take into account both the number of students meeting standards and how much academic growth students are making each year.
Rick Miller
January 27, 2017
Teachers must be partners in shaping education policies
Teachers call on legislators for support in five key areas.
Ama Nyamekye
January 20, 2017
Oakland schools need a committed superintendent
Oakland needs a superintendent deeply rooted in the community who will stay on the job for the next 10 years.
David Kakishiba
January 13, 2017
Ending the No Child Left Behind Catch-22 on English learner progress
State Board of Education should change how the progress of English learners is measured to make the system more fair.
Linda Darling-Hammond and Kenji Hakuta
January 9, 2017
Schools must have a role in ending dating abuse
Schools can help teach teens about healthy relationships, train staff to recognize signs of abuse.
Kathy Moore and Patti Giggans
December 20, 2016
Removing obstacles to success in community college
Community colleges must better support students’ academic progression while upholding standards in college-level courses.
Olga Rodriguez and Marisol Cuellar Mejia
December 8, 2016
Honig says California's "build and support" strategy for schools will pay off
Former superintendent of California schools speaks to EdSource about school reform.
Louis Freedberg and John Fensterwald
November 10, 2016
More high school students deserve chance to take college courses
Students who have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school have a greater success rate of continuing on to postsecondary education.
Teri Munger
November 3, 2016
Let’s close the education advocacy communications “gap”
Better communication could make education reform more effective.
Pat Reilly
November 2, 2016
Exploring new pathways to college completion
California needs to produce 11.9 million degrees by 2025 to remain economically competitive.
Lande Ajose, Harry LeGrande, Jamillah Moore and Wm. Gregory Sawyer
October 18, 2016
Making computer science accessible to all students
The K–12 computer science framework presents a national consensus on computer science concepts and practices.
Trish Williams
October 16, 2016
Strong, locally generated data key to school improvement strategies
Michael Kirst is President of the California State Board of Education and Professor Emeritus of Education at Stanford University.
Michael Kirst
October 9, 2016
The benefits of bringing controversial issues into the classroom
Research points to the benefits of high-quality discussion of controversial issues, such as growth in tolerance for other points of view, interest in politics and knowledge about the issues students investigate.
Judith Pace
July 27, 2016
Summer and after-school programs can promote social and emotional learning
Often overlooked, these out-of-school programs can play a key role in providing the kinds of relationships, supports and opportunities that are essential to social-emotional learning.
Jennifer Peck and David Plank
July 19, 2016
Closing the achievement gap: Will California’s reforms make a difference?
EdSource conducted a series of interviews with leading educators and scholars about the persistence of these achievement gaps and the prospects for the current set of reforms in California to help close them.
Louis Freedberg
December 22, 2015
LA charter debate offers opportunity to devise ways to ensure all schools succeed
The "proposal could radically alter the face of public education in Los Angeles."
Pedro Noguera
November 15, 2015
We can't give up on struggling students
USC Social Work and Public Policy graduate student Lisa Higuera connects stories from her childhood to today's push for school discipline reform.
Lisa Higuera
July 17, 2015
What's not on California's education agenda – and should be
We asked nonprofit education leaders what reforms they think should be added to California's agenda.
EdSource Commentaries
June 2, 2015
Schools must embrace the power of parents
School officials must "genuinely encourage" parent participation.
Ryan J. Smith
April 15, 2015
Restorative practices quickly cut suspensions in middle school
Standard School District Superintendent Paul Meyers writes how adopting a restorative justice approach reduced suspensions in a problematic middle school by more than 50%.
Paul Meyers
March 10, 2015
New standards and tests are worth the effort
Lower initial scores on the new tests should not be an indictment.
Gina Dalma
March 1, 2015
Expulsions and suspensions decline as schools shift strategies
New educators network focuses on effective school discipline.
Carl Cohn
February 17, 2015
The case for California's new integrated model for middle school science
California is taking steps to bring science back as a core subject in school curricula.
Trish Williams
February 16, 2015
How not to fix No Child Left Behind
Efforts to expand preschool and other educational opportunities could be at risk amid a debate over renewing America’s most important education law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.