David Washburn
David Washburn covered school climate and discipline issues for EdSource.
He’s been practicing the art and craft of journalism for 25 years, most recently in the nonprofit sphere as editor of Voice of OC and reporter/editor at Voice of San Diego. He spent eight years as an enterprise/investigative reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune. His work included award-winning stories on financial elder abuse, lack of oversight of contractors in Iraq, San Diego’s high rate officer-involved shootings and mismanagement at the San Diego Red Cross. Early in his career he worked as a researcher for Dateline NBC. He has a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Missouri.
All articles by David Washburn
High court ends mandatory fees collected by public unions
In a decision that could do significant damage to the finances of the California Teachers Association and other public sector unions, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that unions can no longer collect compulsory fees from the workers they represent.
David Washburn And John Fensterwald
June 27, 2018
Discipline reform gets boost in California budget
Efforts to expand California's ban on suspending students for “willful defiance," now limited to K-3 grades, also still in play.
David Washburn
June 21, 2018
Modest school safety measures making way through California Legislature
A flurry of state legislation aimed at making schools safer was proposed after the Parkland school massacre. Here’s where the various proposals stand now.
David Washburn
June 17, 2018
Will state budget deal include expanded ban on 'willful defiance' suspensions?
Tucked inside Gov. Jerry Brown’s May Revision of the state budget is a proposal to extend California's ban on suspensions for “willful defiance” in early elementary grades.
David Washburn
June 4, 2018
The art of engagement: classroom management now matters more in teacher training
The current era of discipline reform in California is putting greater emphasis on an aspect of teaching that has long gotten the short shrift in teacher credentialing programs.
David Washburn
May 16, 2018
Resources often don't match rhetoric for restorative justice in California schools
While awareness of restorative justice is high among school officials statewide, budgets for programs remain tiny in most school districts.
David Washburn
May 15, 2018
A South LA high school's journey back from the brink
Augustus F. Hawkins High, which is situated at the crossroads of multiple gang territories, almost died at its birth. A commitment to restorative justice helped save it.
David Washburn
May 14, 2018
The rise of restorative justice in California schools brings promise, controversy
Many tout the practice as a groundbreaking alternative to zero-tolerance policies and a way to alleviate discipline disparities, while some say it's being oversold as a quick fix.
David Washburn And Daniel J. Willis
May 13, 2018
California school first in the nation to be digitally mapped for first responders
A system being unveiled at Anaheim High School this week includes high-resolution images of the school’s every nook and cranny.
David Washburn
May 1, 2018
Students across California join latest national walkout
Thousands of students across the state Friday participated in the third national walkout since the February school massacre in Parkland, Fla. The event also recognized the 19th anniversary of the mass shooting at Columbine High in Colorado.
David Washburn
April 20, 2018
Quick Guide: Voting for young people explained
It’s never been better to be a young voter in California. Here’s a look at a number of new laws aimed at increasing young voter education and participation.
David Washburn
April 19, 2018
Will 2018 be the year of the young voter in California?
Students throughout the state are showing more interest in “high school voter education weeks” than ever before.
David Washburn
April 19, 2018
How a tiny Native American community's trauma might impact education law
A judge’s ruling in a case brought on behalf of schoolchildren in a Grand Canyon reservation could impact whether school districts are required to provide disability services to students impacted by trauma and adversity.
David Washburn
April 5, 2018
California districts to take part in groundbreaking school safety study
Researchers will spend five years studying California schools in order to get a better picture of how they can become places where people feel safer and more connected.
David Washburn
April 3, 2018
While criticizing Newsom, California charter school group endorses Villaraigosa for governor
The association also endorses Marshall Tuck for superintendent of public instruction.