Michael Burke
Michael covers the Los Angeles Unified School District and higher education. Prior to joining EdSource, he was a reporter in Washington, D.C. He received a B.A. in journalism from Syracuse University. He won first place nationally in the in-depth reporting category of the Society of Professional Journalists 2018 Mark of Excellence awards for his series on corporate influence at Syracuse University, published in The Daily Orange.
All articles by Michael Burke
LA teachers’ union leader says 2019 strike sparked local and statewide change
In an interview, Alex Caputo-Pearl discusses the L.A. Unified strike’s legacy, current relations between the union and district and more.
Michael Burke
January 17, 2020
California governor keeps key higher education pledges but significant aid for non-tuition costs remains
Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded financial aid, but experts and activists hope for more progress in the coming year to help students cover non-tuition costs.
Michael Burke
January 6, 2020
LA Unified releases new data measuring academic success of students over time
California’s largest school district published academic growth data, which measure how students improve from year to year.
Michael Burke
December 5, 2019
How California measures academic success is changing at some of the state’s largest districts
California’s CORE districts have the option of publishing growth data. Los Angeles will join Fresno, Long Beach and Oakland in doing so.
Michael Burke
December 4, 2019
CSU leaders appear ready to move forward with requiring extra year of high school math despite concerns
Opponents include state leaders and activists, who reiterated fears that the change will harm black, Latino and low-income students.
Michael Burke
November 20, 2019
LA Unified drops ranking system for schools but promises to share student growth data
The district is suspending implementation of the School Performance Framework but plans to use some of its elements.
Michael Burke
November 6, 2019
Should non-citizens vote in Los Angeles school board elections?
Los Angeles, home to more immigrants than any region in California, could become the state’s second city to let non-citizen parents vote.
Michael Burke
November 4, 2019
California community college district works to fend off state takeover
The Bay Area district, Peralta Community College District, faces budgeting, auditing and enrollment challenges, according to a state agency.
Michael Burke
October 22, 2019
California community colleges need money to meet new state law to help dreamers
AB 1645 requires community colleges and California State University campuses to have designated liaisons for undocumented students.
Michael Burke
October 16, 2019
LA Unified moves away from plan to assign schools a single rating
Push to kill single rating for schools wins support of a key committee. LAUSD board will vote on it on Nov. 5.
Michael Burke
October 9, 2019
LA Unified approves spending plan despite complaint about serving high-needs students
The school board voted on an amended version of the spending plan, which was updated after a complaint was brought against the district.
Michael Burke
October 2, 2019
Push to require more high school math in California would exempt some students
CSU has also pledged $10 million to train more math and science teachers, but skeptics question whether that investment will be sufficient.
Michael Burke
September 25, 2019
San Diego State University program latest to take aim at preparing more diverse, bilingual teachers
Three San Diego area community colleges will send 100 students annually to San Diego State’s bilingual credentials program.
Michael Burke
September 23, 2019
UC president Janet Napolitano stepping down
Napolitano, the first woman to be named president of the 10-campus system, has served in the role since 2013.
Michael Burke
September 18, 2019
California community colleges push for financial aid reform in budget
In the budget request, California community college system reiterates support for a bill aiming to reduce students' total cost of attendance.