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. 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
California educators want Congress to double the maximum Pell Grant award
California higher education leaders support President Biden’s proposal to double the maximum amount of the Pell Grant, the main source of federal financial aid available to students.
Michael Burke
March 9, 2021
California community colleges should do more to identify, support student parents, researchers say
New research from UC Davis offers one of the most comprehensive looks to date at student parents in California’s colleges and universities.
Michael Burke
March 5, 2021
California lawmakers propose Cal Grant reforms to help low-income students
Lawmakers have introduced legislation to make it easier for low-income students to access Cal Grants by changing eligibility standards.
Michael Burke
February 23, 2021
Why the University of California is seeing a massive surge in freshman applications
College access experts attribute the massive spike in applications partially to the elimination of the SAT and ACT in admissions.
Michael Burke
February 11, 2021
How UC San Diego has avoided Covid-19 outbreaks while housing thousands of students
UC San Diego leaders say they have created a safe on-campus experience for 10,000 students, a rare sight in higher education this year.
Michael Burke
January 25, 2021
After dropping SAT and ACT, University of California urged not to add new admissions test
UC is being asked not to create its own test to replace the SAT. Students may instead be able to submit scores from 11th grade state exams.
Michael Burke
January 13, 2021
Newsom proposes increased funding to California’s colleges and universities to mitigate Covid-19 impact
Higher education leaders in California mostly praised Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal, which offsets some of last year's cuts.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
January 8, 2021
Rife with infighting, Oakland community college district at risk of losing local control
The state chancellor’s office overseeing California’s community colleges may soon intervene at the Peralta Community College District.
Michael Burke
January 7, 2021
More California community college students are taking transfer-level courses, but critics say colleges must do more
After taking full effect last fall, AB 705 has transformed remedial education at California’s community colleges.
Michael Burke
December 8, 2020
Los Angeles charter schools offered reprieve amid pandemic
Citing “unprecedented circumstances” related to Covid-19, L.A. Unified chose to renew four charter schools that otherwise met the criteria to be denied renewal under a new law.
Michael Burke
November 25, 2020
Amid pandemic fears of student loss, University of California enrollment remains flat
Enrollment at public universities is down across the country, but not at the University of California, where undergraduate enrollment is up and total enrollment is flat.
Michael Burke
November 20, 2020
California State University faculty, administrators remain at odds over ethnic studies requirement
California State University’s ethnic studies requirement is on track to being implemented as a lower-division class, disappointing faculty.
Michael Burke
November 18, 2020
One incumbent, one newcomer on track to win pivotal school board races in Los Angeles
The next school board will be seated in December and likely have one new face: Tanya Ortiz Franklin, a former teacher.
Michael Burke
November 4, 2020
How new law requiring ethnic studies at California State University will affect community colleges
New ethnic studies class will likely be required as part of lower-division coursework, which many students complete at community college.
Michael Burke
November 2, 2020
L.A. Unified schools face crucial election amid Covid-19 pandemic
L.A. Unified’ next school board will guide the district through the pandemic and influence the future of charter schools in Los Angeles.