EdSource Commentaries
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All articles by EdSource Commentaries
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.