Michael Burke
Michael covers higher education. Prior to joining EdSource, he was a reporter in Washington, D.C. He received a B.A. in journalism from Syracuse University.
All articles by Michael Burke
University of California sticks with test-free admissions, won’t replace SAT and ACT with new standardized test
After deciding not to develop its own test to replace the SAT, UC considered using Smarter Balanced exams. That idea has also been rejected.
Michael Burke
November 18, 2021
California community college system urged to do more to help students complete college
Members of the governing board for California's community colleges are urged to focus the system on helping students stay enrolled and complete studies.
Michael Burke
November 16, 2021
Dramatic enrollment drop won’t cost California community colleges state aid but could impact adjunct faculty
California's community colleges' declining enrollment won't reduce state funding but adjunct profs may lose opportunities.
Michael Burke And Thomas Peele
November 12, 2021
How six California community college districts became targets of scammers
Scammers have tried to infiltrate California colleges and get a piece of $1.6 billion in federal Covid relief aid. In at least a few districts, they succeeded.
Michael Burke
November 5, 2021
California community college enrollment drops below 2 million students, more than previously reported
California Community Colleges suffered a pandemic enrollment drop of nearly 15%, higher than what the system reported earlier this year for the fall 2020 semester.
Michael Burke
November 4, 2021
Searching for equity in dual enrollment for California high school students
More high school students across California are participating in dual enrollment, but access is not evenly distributed.
Michael Burke
October 27, 2021
California community colleges unable to justify placing students in remedial classes, study finds
Most of California's community colleges are still placing students in remedial classes, but a new study finds they can't justify doing so.
Michael Burke
October 25, 2021
Newsom vetoes bill that would have made major changes to Cal Grant program
AB 1456 would have expanded financial aid eligibility to 160,000 additional students, mostly community college students. It also would simplify the Cal Grant program.
Michael Burke
October 8, 2021
California Community Colleges seek $100 million in tech upgrades, in part to tighten security after bot attacks
California's community college system is asking for money to overhaul its online application portal that fraudulent students were able to bypass in financial aid scam attempts.
Michael Burke
September 21, 2021
Newsom administration opposes major changes to Cal Grants, calling them too costly
AB 1456 would make major changes to California's main financial aid program, but it's unclear if Gov. Gavin Newsom will sign the bill.
Michael Burke
September 16, 2021
Thousands of UC students struggle to find housing
The pandemic has caused a shortage of off-campus housing for students at UC Santa Barbara. Other UC campuses are also experiencing housing crunches.
Michael Burke
September 13, 2021
Covid relief for California community college students depends on the school they attend
Across California's community colleges, students are receiving varying amounts of emergency financial aid grants.
Michael Burke
August 25, 2021
More vaccine mandates coming to California colleges following full approval of Pfizer vaccine
With the FDA fully approving the Pfizer vaccine, more students and staff at California colleges will need to be vaccinated this fall.
Michael Burke And Diana Lambert
August 23, 2021
After mixed experiences with distance learning, disabled California college students want flexibility
Entering the fall, college students say they want the flexibility to learn how they're most comfortable, whether that's in person or remotely.
Michael Burke
August 10, 2021
California community colleges begin to mandate vaccines as Covid-19 cases surge
With no statewide mandate, local colleges decide whether to require Covid-19 vaccinations. The delta variant is prompting more to do so.