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
UC Irvine to offer remote undergraduate instruction in fall, but students will still be allowed on campus
Irvine's decision is the first among the nine University of California campuses that enroll undergraduates.
Louis Freedberg
June 11, 2020
Schools should encourage but not require students to wear face covering, draft guidance says
Draft interim guidance on the reopening of schools allows for flexibility on multiple issues and stresses local
Louis Freedberg
May 28, 2020
With masks and social distance, these special ed students have already returned to school
Small special day class in Marin County gets a jump start on return to school.
Louis Freedberg
May 27, 2020
100 days since the first alert, California’s education system grapples with upheaval and uncertainty
Still many uncertainties about when and how students will return to school.
Louis Freedberg
May 20, 2020
In response to pandemic, colleges across California hold virtual commencements
With creativity and flair, first ceremonies were held on Friday and Saturday, with many more in the weeks ahead.
Louis Freedberg
May 17, 2020
Education funding in new stimulus bill in House falls far short of education leaders’ requests
Education organizations have been pushing for about $250 billion for both K-12 and higher education, but the House bill calls for about $100 billion.
Louis Freedberg
May 14, 2020
Top federal health officials don’t rule out opening schools and colleges in fall
Opening would depend on widespread testing, sound hygiene and social distancing practices, and local conditions.
Louis Freedberg
May 12, 2020
Early school start time proposed by Gov. Newsom not far from existing district calendars
All of the state’s largest 30 districts will open before Labor Day, while half will open by the second week of August.
Louis Freedberg
May 5, 2020
When California schools reopen, Gov. Newsom envisages major changes in how they are run
The biggest challenges are that schools will have to change schedules and the way students gather to ensure that there is adequate physical distancing.
Louis Freedberg
April 14, 2020
With students at home, “spring break” has very different meaning during coronavirus epidemic
Students and teachers are on break at the same time districts trying to ramp up ambitious “distance learning” programs.
Louis Freedberg
April 10, 2020
In rare display of leadership continuity, Long Beach Unified turns to another insider to fill district’s top post
One of California's largest districts, with over 73,000 students, has appointed deputy superintendent Jill Baker as its new superintendent.
Louis Freedberg
April 9, 2020
In his own words: State superintendent Tony Thurmond on making distance learning work for all students
Says some students "have not checked in at all since March 13 when many of our schools closed."
EdSource Staff
April 6, 2020
California leaders take on tough assignment: convincing students that school is still in session
County superintendents in Los Angeles and Orange County both recommend closure of schools for remainder of the school year but emphasize schools are still open for learning remotely.
Louis Freedberg
April 2, 2020
California schools chief recommends that schools prepare for distance learning for rest of school year
State Superintendent of Public Instruction stresses that school is not actually over, but that emphasis must be on providing education through distance learning.
Louis Freedberg And John Fensterwald
March 31, 2020
California districts move to extend school closures to beginning of May — at least
School districts are consulting with health authorities in setting closure dates, and increasingly are doing so along with all districts in their counties.