
Larry Gordon
Larry Gordon was a higher education writer at the Los Angeles Times, where he covered colleges and universities in California and nationwide. He won the first place award for education reporting in 2014 from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Larry previously was a reporter and editor at the Bergen Record in his home state New Jersey. He was a mid-career Fulbright Fellow, teaching journalism at the American University in Bulgaria. He earned a master’s degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and a bachelor’s at Georgetown University. He is co-author of the hiking guide “Stairway Walks in Los Angeles.” He is based in Los Angeles.
All articles by Larry Gordon
More CSU students graduate during pandemic, but drop may loom
CSU official notes efforts to bring dropouts back to campuses after the pandemic's toll. Warns of "troublesome equity challenge."
Larry Gordon
May 18, 2022
Strategies for California? Texas university helps students cross finish line
The University of Texas at San Antonio's success at boosting graduation rates, especially for Black and Latino students, may offer strategies for California and other states.
Larry Gordon
May 16, 2022
How a Florida public university helps more students to graduate sooner
The University of South Florida improved four- and six-year graduation rates by closing gaps for Latino and Black students, using methods that often contrast with California's.
Larry Gordon
May 11, 2022
High calculus failure rates thwart students across CSU
Reforms underway in teaching college calculus. But weak math skills from high school derail students from STEM careers.
Larry Gordon
January 13, 2022
California award-winning school counselor urges college applicants to get past fears
A student counselor from Fresno's McLane High inspires students with his history as a young immigrant and garners statewide prize.
Larry Gordon
December 1, 2021
Pandemic caused decline in international students at California colleges but return has begun
Despite travel restrictions, California still enrolled most foreign students in nation, led by USC and UC campuses.
Larry Gordon
November 15, 2021
SAT and ACT slip in priority among California high school students
California's public universities won't consider SAT and ACT scores, but some students still take tests for scholarships and placement.
Larry Gordon
November 9, 2021
California college students head overseas again - in limited numbers
Study abroad programs in Western Europe and South Korea reopen; China and Latin America remain off-limits due to pandemic concerns.
Larry Gordon
October 1, 2021
California State University courses with high failure and withdrawal rates prompt calls for reform
Campuses overhaul courses, offer more tutoring to cut high failure rates. Nearly half of students fail or drop some classes.
Larry Gordon
August 20, 2021
How one California campus, the statewide leader in Covid aid, starts spending its millions
CSU Northridge benefits from the federal Covid relief formula which makes the campus eligible for $265 million, the most of any California college.
Larry Gordon
July 9, 2021
Colleges prepare for incoming freshmen with high school learning loss
An academic year of distance learning has left many graduating seniors with gaps in their learning. Colleges are preparing to help with tutoring, summer brush-up and empathetic faculty.
Larry Gordon
July 6, 2021
Mills College will merge with Northeastern University rather than close
The Oakland college was to close in 2023 but now announces a survival plan. Under the merger, undergraduate men will be admitted, changing tradition.
Larry Gordon
June 18, 2021
What’s in a college course number? Lots of confusion
A bill that would direct similar community college courses across the state to carry the same number to reduce transfer problems faces opposition from faculty groups.
Larry Gordon
April 30, 2021
Easing the transfer path in California from community colleges to universities
Long Beach pilot program does a lot of what Newsom wants to do statewide with early transfer guarantees.
Larry Gordon
March 29, 2021
Mills College announces plan to close, triggering debate about other schools’ futures
Some experts predict no college closure trend but others say the pandemic will hasten deaths of small private schools.