Sydney Johnson
Sydney Johnson covers math and science, among other topics. Before joining EdSource, Sydney was an assistant editor at EdSurge where she covered higher education and technology. Her work has also appeared in Slate, The Huffington Post, the East Bay Express, San Francisco magazine and other outlets. She has a B.A. and a B.S. from UC Berkeley.
All articles by Sydney Johnson
A rush to calculus leaves some students behind in California
The state is in the process of rewriting its mathematics guidance for schools and teachers, hoping to expand access to advanced math.
Sydney Johnson
July 26, 2021
Tired of the same old student assessments? This fund wants to help
The Advanced Education Research & Development Fund is calling for project proposals on how assessment can be done better.
Sydney Johnson
July 21, 2021
California moves to adopt historic $6 billion broadband plan
The bill will enable local governments and nonprofits to bypass private companies and build their own broadband infrastructure.
Sydney Johnson
July 15, 2021
California directs districts to offer remote independent study this fall
The education trailer bill extends independent study to students whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction.
Sydney Johnson
July 7, 2021
California schools move ahead with fall distance learning plans despite limitations
Parents and education advocacy groups are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend distance learning provisions for the upcoming school year.
Sydney Johnson
June 7, 2021
Schools across California become pop-up vaccination sites
U.S. and California health officials recently expanded emergency authorization for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines for anyone ages 12 and up.
Sydney Johnson
May 21, 2021
California math curriculum spurs new controversy about accelerated learning
Voluntary guidance for math instruction faces criticism from parents saying it stunts potential for students in advanced math pathways.
Sydney Johnson
May 20, 2021
Broadband gets a major boost in California budget revision
The funding was announced Friday alongside a sweeping set of proposals for K-12 education in California as part of the annual May budget proposal.
Sydney Johnson And John Fensterwald
May 14, 2021
A California program spent millions on devices for distance learning. Here’s where it went
The vast majority of rural California students now have access to computers at home, but thousands still can't connect to the internet.
Sydney Johnson And Daniel J. Willis
May 14, 2021
Hundreds of thousands of California students won’t take statewide standardized tests this spring
California released updated guidance for school districts deciding whether Smarter Balanced or a local assessment is their more viable option.
Sydney Johnson
May 4, 2021
Local assessments an option if Smarter Balanced tests ‘not viable,’ U.S. education officials affirm
California state officials have not yet outlined in detail what conditions must exist for a district to select an alternative assessment.
Sydney Johnson
April 8, 2021
Local assessments an option if statewide tests aren't viable during pandemic, California officials signal
California’s plan would still offer Smarter Balanced assessments in math and English language arts, the California Science Test, as well as tests for English learners.
Sydney Johnson
April 2, 2021
California lags behind most states in offering fully in-person instruction, new data show
Across the country, 32% of 4th-grade students have been offered hybrid instruction and 47% have been offered fully in-person instruction.
Sydney Johnson
March 24, 2021
California could allow school districts to choose their own standardized tests this year
Groups opposing local assessments argue that the results will not be easily or accurately compared on a statewide level.
Sydney Johnson
March 17, 2021
Distance learning changed California education. What’s here to stay?
Teachers pushed through difficult days to find solutions that kept kids learning during an upended school year. Some changes may stick.