Fermin Leal
Fermin was EdSource’s career and college readiness reporter between 2015 and 2017.
All articles by Fermin Leal
Outside the limelight, rural schools face challenges in finding, and keeping, teachers
Many are filling the gap with intern teachers and those with short-term permits.
Fermin Leal
April 5, 2017
To retain teachers, lawmakers push to exempt them from state income tax
California would be first state to exempt income taxes for teachers. The income tax bill joins others bills aimed at easing state's teacher shortage.
Fermin Leal
March 19, 2017
California teachers get layoff notices despite teacher shortages
Most teachers receiving layoff notices will eventually have them rescinded in coming weeks as districts receive better state budget estimates.
Fermin Leal
March 16, 2017
State to leave college, career readiness metric off upcoming school and district report cards
The current metric for college and career readiness focuses too heavily on college preparation, critics have said.
Fermin Leal
March 2, 2017
California students again rank 5th in latest AP exam scores
Advanced Placement exam scores in California have grown steadily over the past decade, with the state now ranking 5th nationally for the percentage of students earning scores that qualify for college credit.
Fermin Leal
February 21, 2017
Loss of federal program could more than triple AP exam fee for some students
The new federal education law eliminated the subsidy for low-income students.
Fermin Leal
February 8, 2017
Worsening teacher shortage puts more underprepared teachers in classrooms, report says
Amid the state's teacher shortage, California issued more than 10,200 intern credentials, permits and waivers to underprepared teachers so they could work in classrooms in 2015-16.
Fermin Leal
February 8, 2017
Creating a debt-free college program would cost state an estimated $3.3 billion
California's public colleges and universities are among the most affordable, but many students still graduate with significant debt.
Fermin Leal
January 31, 2017
Bill would provide $20,000 grants to help recruit teachers in high-demand subjects
The incentive is aimed at increasing the number of math, science, bilingual education and special education teachers.
Fermin Leal
January 18, 2017
Gov. Brown’s proposed budget lacks new funds to combat teacher shortage
Supporters of new funding for teacher recruitment programs said they're disappointed in Gov. Jerry Brown's initial state budget proposal.
Fermin Leal
January 16, 2017
City College of San Francisco wins full accreditation after 5-year battle
City College is one of the largest community colleges in the nation.
Fermin Leal
January 13, 2017
‘Hidden Figures’ stars encourage girls to pursue STEM careers during LA screening
According to the National Science Board, women remain largely underrepresented in the nation’s STEM workforce.
Fermin Leal
January 10, 2017
Number of college courses taught in high schools increasing statewide
A new law will allow more high school students in California to take college courses on their high school campuses. It's part of an effort to have more students better prepared for college.
Fermin Leal
January 3, 2017
State awards $20 million in grants to help more school employees become teachers
School employees in 25 school districts or county offices of education who want to become teachers are eligible to receive annual grants of up to $4,000 as part of an effort to add more teachers to the workforce.
Fermin Leal
December 20, 2016
College campuses to receive $8 million to boost teacher-prep programs
The grants support programs that allow students to get a bachelor's degree and teaching credential in four years.