Karen D'Souza
Karen covers arts education, literacy, and early education. She is an award-winning writer who comes to EdSource after covering lifestyle, parenting, health, housing, education and the arts for the San Jose Mercury News. She is a four-time Pulitzer juror and her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle and Seattle Times. She has an MA in journalism and a BA in political science and dramatic art from UC Berkeley.
All articles by Karen D'Souza
The power of arts education: A conversation with Letty Kraus
The director of the California County Superintendents Statewide Arts Initiative the potential impacts and likely challenges in implementing Prop. 28.
Karen D'Souza
August 29, 2023
California's literacy crisis: There’s more to the science of reading than phonics
Despite growing momentum toward reform, many literacy experts warn that many serious obstacles lie ahead before a transformation in American reading instruction is likely to take root.
Karen D'Souza
August 17, 2023
Behind the scenes: California's new arts education plans
Arts education can boost student and family engagement, experts say, which may be critical to recharging lackluster pandemic recovery efforts.
Karen D'Souza
July 25, 2023
Proposition 28 a windfall for arts education, but implementation poses challenges
In arts education, as in the arts, experts say, collaboration is often the key. A small school in a rural district might join forces with another school to share a dance teacher, for example.
Karen D'Souza
June 26, 2023
Why arts education matters: A conversation with Jessica Mele
Art and creativity is not a panacea, but it can be a balm, experts say, especially for many teens who are suffering from mental health issues.
Karen D'Souza
June 16, 2023
Meet Lakisha Young, the powerhouse behind Oakland REACH
While many bemoan pandemic learning loss, Lakisha Young has long been an outspoken critic of the public educational system’s failure to meet the needs of children of color.
Karen D'Souza
June 7, 2023
Bolstered by Miami track record, Carvalho revamps LAUSD Primary Promise reading program
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho knows from his experience in Miami what a successful reading program can do. His efforts to bring the same success to LAUSD has stirred some opposition.
Karen D'Souza
June 2, 2023
Is the child care crisis escalating?
Maintaining a high quality of care is the bottom line, experts say. Simply expanding access to child care or lowering its costs is not enough to give children the head start they need.
Karen D'Souza
May 3, 2023
What parents should know about transitional kindergarten
Many more California children will be eligible for TK. It may help kids make up for some social and intellectual stimulation lost during the pandemic, experts say.
Karen D'Souza
April 12, 2023
The magic of story time: Why is reading aloud to kids so important?
Amid the escalating national literacy crisis, with its grim statistics and deeply entrenched ideological battles, this one is an easy fix, experts say. Read aloud to your children and students.
Karen D'Souza
April 6, 2023
Documentary film asks: Do all children have 'The Right to Read?'
Literacy is the watershed social justice issue of our time, many advocates argue.
Karen D'Souza
March 29, 2023
Amid California's mounting literacy crisis, state names new literacy directors
Since reading lays a foundation for all future learning, including math and science, many regard plunging test scores as cause for alarm.
Karen D'Souza
March 23, 2023
Are young boys of color set up to fail in early education?
Examining implicit bias, experts say, may be the key to making early education more equitable.
Karen D'Souza
March 8, 2023
Arts education funding in California: How will Proposition 28 roll out?
Arts education could be an engine to spark family engagement in the school system, experts say.
Karen D'Souza
February 21, 2023
The pandemic fueled a public school exodus, study says
Disruptions wrought by the pandemic may be leading the education world toward a watershed moment, some say, a time to rebuild the critical connection between families and schools.