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
Newsom’s bid to make textbooks free delayed in community colleges central office
Colleges are eager to get a piece of $115 million that was approved last year for free textbook programs. Chancellor's office officials say applications will be available within the next month.
Michael Burke
July 18, 2022
Dozens of California community colleges planning to offer remedial classes in violation of law, report says
The California Acceleration Project found that 47 colleges are planning to offer remedial math classes this fall. The group says AB 1705, newly proposed legislation is needed to address that trend.
Michael Burke
June 13, 2022
Community colleges required to hand over data in timely manner under new rule
After several colleges neglected to turn over data on application fraud and enrollment, systemwide chancellor's office will force their hand.
Michael Burke
May 23, 2022
How can California improve the working conditions of community college adjuncts?
During an EdSource roundtable, panelists discussed new ideas for improving working conditions for the 37,000 part-time faculty at California's community colleges.
Michael Burke
May 19, 2022
Newsom reaffirms commitment to annual increases for UC, CSU; imposes annual progress reports
In exchange for five years of promised steady budget increases, UC and CSU commit to making progress toward key equity and efficiency goals and will publicly report on their progress.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
May 13, 2022
Advocates of major changes to Cal Grant look to Newsom
After California Gov. Gavin Newsom last fall vetoed an overhaul of the state's main financial aid program, advocates for change are hopeful he will support their proposals this year.
Michael Burke
May 12, 2022
Lawmakers want strict rules so students avoid no-credit remedial courses
A bill in the California Assembly would add to previous legislation by further restricting when a community college can require students to take remedial classes. Faculty association says it goes too far.
Michael Burke
May 5, 2022
Letter grades on way out? Why some University of California departments may use alternatives
Advocates argue letter grades aren't a good measure of student learning and that pass/no pass grading in certain courses could be a better alternative for first-year students at the University of California.
Michael Burke
April 26, 2022
Cost, emotional stress leading to enrollment challenges at colleges, study finds
With colleges in California and elsewhere suffering from enrollment drops, a new survey offers insight on why students aren't attending.
Michael Burke
April 22, 2022
Community colleges on track for $100 million to improve cybersecurity
California community colleges may be in line for a $100 million cybersecurity upgrade to thwart scammers who have attempted to fraudulently enroll and get financial aid.
Michael Burke
April 5, 2022
In visit to Los Angeles, Cardona says colleges must help students with housing
In a visit to California, Miguel Cardona, the U.S. secretary of education, encouraged the state "to meet students where they are" as it relates to housing.
Michael Burke
March 29, 2022
Dorms eyed for community colleges to ease California housing crunch
California community college students are slated to get new housing if the state Legislature approves a significant expansion of scarce on-campus housing.
Michael Burke And Emma Gallegos
March 28, 2022
California community college officials eye new rule forcing districts to hand over data
Recently, some California community colleges have not handed over data on enrollment and application fraud to state officials, who are now looking to force their hand.
Michael Burke
March 22, 2022
Newsom signs bill saving UC Berkeley from enrollment cuts this fall
After lawmakers unanimously approved a bill to save UC Berkeley from enrollment cuts this fall, it was quickly signed by Newsom on Monday.
Michael Burke
March 14, 2022
Legislation would save UC Berkeley from court-ordered enrollment cuts
New California legislation would prevent courts from immediately forcing a campus to cut enrollment over population concerns and could be retroactively applied to UC Berkeley.