EdSource Commentaries
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All articles by EdSource Commentaries
California’s detailed test data gives it an advantage for the road ahead
A deeper dive into the Smarter Balanced test data reveals that the news is both better and worse than we previously realized.
David Wakelyn
April 5, 2022
How to diversify California’s educator workforce
To increase educator diversity, state, county and district leaders should gather as a community to learn and share best practices for recruiting, supporting and retaining teachers of color.
Travis J. Bristol
March 30, 2022
Memo to LAUSD’s new chief: Focus on results for students, families
Los Angeles Unified's new superintendent must work with grassroots organizations and build on the district's strengths to help stem the tide of declining enrollment and other factors that are holding LAUSD schools back.
Pedro Noguera and Bruce Fuller
March 28, 2022
Let's transform California's paved-over schools into green spaces
Greening California's paved-over schoolyards improves student success, equity and health -- and spills over into surrounding neighborhoods. The Legislature should help make it happen statewide.
Mónica García and Kyla Johnson-Trammell
March 27, 2022
For mathematics, it’s time to focus on individual student thinking
Too many students already have a tense relationship with mathematics. We must find better ways to set high expectations for learners that are grounded in individual student thinking rather than their dates of birth.
Ted Coe
March 22, 2022
Graduate profiles help districts prepare students for college and careers
California school districts are developing "graduate profiles" that help focus teaching and learning on ensuring students can think critically and creatively, collaborate with others, tackle real problems and contribute to society.
Roman Stearns and Mary Perry
March 22, 2022
We must focus on equity as California tackles declining enrollment
As California policymakers grapple with the fiscal implications of declining school enrollment, they must seize the opportunity to address equity.
Robert Manwaring
March 21, 2022
California's new math framework offers path to greater excellence and equity
California's new math framework builds on the practices of countries with the best outcomes for teaching math and provides guidance on how to develop students’ belief in their own ability to learn.
Phil Daro
March 18, 2022
Effective induction programs are key to retaining new teachers
Mentoring and support can make all the difference for new teachers, but when postponed, induction programs become a burden instead.
Julie Sheldon
March 15, 2022
Heroic students who are also mothers deserve more support
Student parents consistently earn higher GPAs than students without children, despite having far less time.
Sonya Christian
March 15, 2022
It’s long past time to tone down the behavior at school board meetings
Enough foolishness at school board meetings. California leaders should convene a statewide commission to figure out how to ensure that school boards and the public act like responsible adults.
Arun K. Ramanathan
March 7, 2022
Every school can, and should, be a community school
Nearly $3 billion in grants from the California Community Schools Partnership Program provide a unique opportunity for schools to work with families and communities to turn their school into a vibrant community school.
Hayin Kimner and Martin J. Blank
March 6, 2022
Stop resisting, professors, and embrace online teaching
Integrating online instruction with in-person classes can enhance teaching and learning if done well.
Anuradha Basu
March 2, 2022
How adults can help youth avoid violence, maintain mental health
Supportive relationships with adults in their lives can help youth weather pandemic-related stress and steer clear of abusive relationships.
Angel Quintanilla
February 28, 2022
We must transform how schools address barriers to learning
To improve teaching and learning, schools and districts must weave together school and community resources more systematically.