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
Should kindergarten be mandatory in California?
Without kindergarten to help build critical skills in reading and math, some students may fall behind.
Karen D'Souza
March 3, 2021
Most California parents worry about their young children’s education amid pandemic
More than a third of parents surveyed said they have skipped meals or had to cut back on food for the children as a result of the pandemic.
Karen D'Souza
February 25, 2021
California educators pay a wage penalty for working with younger children, report shows
Preschool teachers and child care workers earn 38% less than their colleagues in the K-8 system, the report says.
Karen D'Souza
February 24, 2021
How will expanded transitional kindergarten roll out?
Early childhood advocates applaud any increase in access to early education, which many see as critical to closing achievement gaps.
Karen D'Souza
February 18, 2021
How the Biden administration will impact California’s child care crisis
Among other measures, $25 billion is intended to stabilize the child care industry.
Karen D'Souza
February 5, 2021
What happens to children who missed kindergarten during Covid-19 crisis?
While many students have likely suffered learning loss during the global health crisis, it may have a greater impact on incoming first-graders.
Karen D'Souza
January 28, 2021
California governor takes steps toward expanding transitional kindergarten
Young children remain a focus in the budget, despite the economic chaos wrought by the pandemic.
Karen D'Souza
January 8, 2021
Why California needs to ban preschool suspensions and expulsions, experts say
Harsh discipline at such an early age can have lasting consequences.
Karen D'Souza
January 5, 2021
How California plans to increase access to Paid Family Leave to support early childhood
The recommendations include increasing the size of payouts and duration of leave, as well as support for small businesses.
Karen D'Souza
December 14, 2020
Another step toward universal preschool in California?
A proposed a sweeping suite of bills is designed to help reform the state’s early childhood system.
Karen D'Souza
December 9, 2020
Inside California’s new master plan to reshape early education and child care
Gov. Gavin Newsom made early childhood education a central focus of his administration.
Karen D'Souza
December 1, 2020
Distance learning stokes fears of excessive screen time
Family life has been disrupted in innumerable ways during the pandemic, including the nature of our relationship to screens.
Karen D'Souza
November 23, 2020
Why Los Angeles County’s neediest school districts don't apply for waivers to reopen campuses
The waiver process has been fraught with debate — raising issues of safety, volatility and fairness.
Karen D'Souza And Betty Márquez Rosales
November 11, 2020
LA schools define early learners as ‘high-needs’ to bring them back to campus
Schools in Los Angeles have begun in-person instruction with their youngest learners, under the county’s reopening allowance for students with special needs.
Karen D'Souza And Betty Márquez Rosales
October 23, 2020
Outdoor classes and ‘forest schools’ gain new prominence amid distance learning struggles
Can outdoor schools offer lessons at a time when being indoors is so risky?