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
California tops in suspension reform, but still not properly targeting disparities, report says
The report finds no other state does a better job than California at holding districts accountable for reducing overall school suspensions. But districts still don't adequately prioritize cuts in suspension rates for students of color and other marginalized groups.
David Washburn
March 21, 2018
How Trump repeal of Obama-era school discipline guidelines could affect California
Civil rights advocates worry that if the Trump administration decides to rescind federal school discipline guidance established in 2014, the action could hamper reform efforts at the local level. Meanwhile, state officials say it would have no real effect on statewide policy.
David Washburn
March 20, 2018
California students join thousands nationwide in historic school walkout
Inspired by the activism of those who survived February's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., students from elementary schools to college campuses walked out of class Wednesday and staged a variety of protests to demand stricter gun control laws.
David Washburn
March 14, 2018
Those who walk out on Wednesday will join a rich history of student protest
The National School Walkout, which is being staged to honor the victims of the Parkland, Fla., massacre and advocate for stricter gun control laws, is the latest example of students making a difference in national affairs.
David Washburn And Yuxuan Xie
March 12, 2018
Some California districts are downplaying the National School Walkout as others embrace it
While many districts favor a hands-off approach focused on safety as they prepare for the nationwide protest on March 14 — in which students throughout the country will walk out of class to advocate for gun control — some see it as a teachable moment.
David Washburn
March 6, 2018
Forecast for California school climates remains cloudy without good data, advocates say
School districts are trying a variety of strategies aimed at creating safe and welcoming school environments, but there is controversy over the role and frequency of student surveys, and how to use them.
David Washburn
February 28, 2018
Countdown to expand ban on ‘willful defiance’ suspensions in California schools
With the current ban on such suspensions for grades K-3 set to expire in July, a bill that would expand the ban to include all schools is making its way through the state Legislature.