John Fensterwald
John Fensterwald, staff writer, joined EdSource in 2012. Before that, he was editor and co-writer for The Educated Guess website, a leading source of California education policy reporting and opinion, which he founded in 2009. For 11 years before then, John wrote editorials for the Mercury News in San Jose, with a focus on education. He worked as a reporter, news editor and opinion editor for three newspapers in New Hampshire before receiving a Knight Fellowship at Stanford University in 1997. His wife is a retired elementary school teacher, and his daughter is a neurology resident at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.
All articles by John Fensterwald
California becomes first state to require ethnic studies in high school
One year after he vetoed legislation, Gov. Newsom signs bill, also releasing $50 million for districts to create ethnic studies curricula.
John Fensterwald
October 8, 2021
Proposed 2022 California ballot initiative sets stage to define 'high-quality' education
David Welch, who lost a lawsuit challenging teacher tenure, is trying a new tack: a constitutional guarantee for a "high-quality" education.
John Fensterwald
October 8, 2021
Civics proponents urge common ground in battles over ethnic studies
10 civics education leaders criticize “extreme” views of history and ethnic studies, urge learning based on independent, critical thinking.
John Fensterwald
September 28, 2021
Staffing shortage delays ambitious program to extend school day and year in California
Low-income districts have priority funding for a nine-hour day and 30-day summer school; lacking staff, they'll have an extra year to plan.
John Fensterwald
September 23, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom resoundingly beats back recall election
Democratic voters rally around the California governor in the closing days of the campaign, in a strong turnout to keep him in office.
John Fensterwald And Thomas Peele
September 14, 2021
Legislature reaffirms quarantined students must be in independent study to be funded
Some changes in the independent study law may help districts, but a teacher shortage remains the biggest obstacle to providing instruction.
John Fensterwald
September 13, 2021
California will give a short version of its standardized math and English tests next spring
State Board agrees to cut as much as 2 hours from lengthy Smarter Balanced assessments; parents won't receive as many details as in past.
John Fensterwald
September 10, 2021
Could a recall-elected Republican governor really shake up K-12 schools?
A supermajority in the Legislature would rein in a new governor, who'd also face long odds on the big prize: selling a voucher initiative next year.
John Fensterwald
September 8, 2021
Leading recall candidates lay out positions on K-12 issues
The four candidates leading in California recall polls respond to questions about their views on several K-12 education issues.
John Fensterwald
September 8, 2021
Research finds ethnic studies in San Francisco had enduring impact
Higher rates of graduation and college enrollment are tracked to course, but researcher urges caution in interpreting the study.
John Fensterwald
September 7, 2021
Changes for educating quarantined California students proposed by governor, Legislature
State leaders recognize crisis some districts face but don't backtrack from applying independent study to students sidelined by delta variant.
John Fensterwald
September 6, 2021
Quarantines and teacher shortages: a double whammy for California districts
Independent study is now the only option for quarantined students; superintendents warn the regulations are too constraining.
John Fensterwald And Betty Márquez Rosales
August 27, 2021
What is independent study in California? | Quick Guide
Independent study is this year's at-home alternative to in-person instruction for parents worried about contracting Covid. How will it work?
John Fensterwald And Sydney Johnson
August 26, 2021
Many small districts complain California shorted their funding during the pandemic
Many small districts educated students who fled urban areas due to Covid, yet weren't compensated, with a big impact on their budgets.
John Fensterwald
August 23, 2021
As California schools reopen, will there be a surge in independent study?
Families have a right to independent study instead of in-person instruction; worry about the delta variant may determine how many choose it.