Louis Freedberg
Louis Freedberg led EdSource as executive director from July 2011-April 2021. For more than two decades, Freedberg has analyzed and reported on local, state, and national education policy. Before coming to EdSource, Freedberg was the founding director of California Watch at the Center for Investigative Reporting. He spent 15 years at the San Francisco Chronicle, where he was an award-winning education reporter, Washington correspondent, columnist, and member of the editorial board. He has a Ph.D. in social anthropology from UC Berkeley and a B.A. in child development from Yale University.
All articles by Louis Freedberg
Trump contracting Covid-19 likely to elevate concerns about school reopenings
Opening schools for in-person instruction involves taking risks at almost every stage in the process.
Louis Freedberg
October 2, 2020
Joan Bissell was leader in teacher preparation in California
She coordinated teacher preparation programs at the California State University’s nearly two dozen programs.
Louis Freedberg
September 16, 2020
Color purple will determine whether California schools can open for in-class instruction
New system creates confusion as some counties that were no longer on state monitoring list find themselves effectively back on with most restrictive purple rating.
Louis Freedberg
August 31, 2020
As one University of California campus is evacuated due to fires, others revise fall reopening plans
On top of coping with threat of coronavirus, UC Santa Cruz is evacuated Thursday due to fires.
Louis Freedberg
August 22, 2020
Millions of students — and their teachers — embark on vast experiment with distance learning
Distance learning is not a mode of instruction most parents, students, teachers and administrators would have chosen in the absence of the pandemic.
Louis Freedberg
August 17, 2020
Sal Khan says distance learning can't fully replace in-person instruction
Sal Khan, a pioneer in distance learning, warns that distance learning does not replace the value of in-person instruction.
Louis Freedberg
August 3, 2020
Quick Guide: How has the pandemic altered California’s school accountability reforms?
California has put on hold most aspects of its school accountability system. Learn more about how the state is handling accountability during the coronavirus pandemic.
EdSource Staff
July 22, 2020
In new guidance, Gov. Newsom to impose strict regulations for school opening and closing
All staff and students in grades 3-12 will be required to wear face coverings, and those who don’t can be sent home to learn via distance learning.
Louis Freedberg And John Fensterwald
July 17, 2020
Pace of California schools planning to open with distance learning accelerates
Many districts will open with online instruction but hope to bring more students back later in the fall depending on health conditions.
Louis Freedberg
July 15, 2020
Local control of schools defeats Trump efforts to bring students back to class
Despite threats from President Trump and Betsy DeVos to cut off federal funding, growing number of districts in California say they will open in fall offering mostly distance learning
Louis Freedberg
July 14, 2020
Schools should not open until safety is assured, California Teachers Association tells state
Message reinforced by American Academy of Pediatrics that clarifies that it believes children should be in school, but only if it can be done safely.
Louis Freedberg
July 9, 2020
Veteran educator returns to his roots to lead Central Valley organization
Don Shalvey takes on challenge of boosting education and workplace outcomes for youth in Stockton area.
Louis Freedberg
July 7, 2020
President Trump accuses schools of “extreme indoctrination” of children
President says children are being “taught to hate their own country,” while former vice president Joe Biden says teachers should have more authority in the classroom
Louis Freedberg
July 6, 2020
Youth protest may be key to racial transformation in the United States
It's possible that one day youth contributions to racial justice in the United States will be memorialized, just as they are in South Africa.
Louis Freedberg
June 17, 2020
Democrats and Republicans in Congress spar over need for more federal education aid
If Congress fails to approve additional funding, it would have a drastic impact on education in California.