Sydney Johnson
Follow @@sydneyfjohnsonSydney 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
University of California expands list of courses that meet math requirement for admission
The decision comes after CSU delayed a vote to add a quantitative reasoning course — in addition to 3 years of math — as an admission requirement.
Sydney Johnson
November 9, 2020
Shorter exams will replace California’s annual Smarter Balanced tests
Federal education officials said they will not waive testing requirements for the 2020-21 school year.
Sydney Johnson
November 5, 2020
California to consider shorter Smarter Balanced tests this spring
The State Board of Education will vote this week on whether to shorten the state’s annual standardized tests in math and English language arts.
Sydney Johnson
November 4, 2020
Academic testing looks very different in California during distance learning
To assess students during distance learning, teachers are relying on informal check-ins, open notes and webcams to monitor a student’s behavior.
Sydney Johnson
October 27, 2020
Length of live teaching varies in California even in the same grade level and same district
Some parents and researchers want longer class periods for their kids in distance learning, while others worry about excessive screen time and ineffective use of learning time.
Sydney Johnson
October 22, 2020
Up to 1 million California students may still lack connectivity during distance learning
State leaders struggle to pinpoint how many students remain unconnected, and fear widening inequality as distance learning continues.
Sydney Johnson
October 15, 2020
On or off? California schools weigh webcam concerns during distance learning
Some teachers report less engagement with cameras off, but anxiety, tech glitches and privacy concerns could keep some students from turning them on.
Sydney Johnson
August 26, 2020
Pressure is on to close the digital divide under California governor’s executive order
The governor wants to reimagine the state’s Broadband Council and ramp up efforts to connect all students to technology during distance learning.
Sydney Johnson
August 14, 2020
Ask a reporter: Back to school in California during Covid-19
EdSource reporters and readers met Wednesday in a virtual town hall to discuss what education will look like this fall in California.
Sydney Johnson
August 13, 2020
California makes internet-enabled tablets available to nearly 1 million students
At least 100,000 tablets with internet included will be ready for districts in time for the new school year, state officials said.
Sydney Johnson
August 5, 2020
Some California teachers asked to return to empty classrooms during distance learning
Protests are emerging in districts where teachers are required to conduct distance learning from their physical classrooms.
Sydney Johnson
August 4, 2020
California school districts brace for an online back-to-school season
Many school districts will have to ditch plans for hybrid learning and in-person classes at the start of the school year.
Sydney Johnson
July 24, 2020
California districts attempt to revive outdoor education programs slashed during the pandemic
In California, leaders of 37% of outdoor education programs said they will remain closed due to lack of financing after the coronavirus pandemic.
Sydney Johnson
July 6, 2020
Long road ahead to close California’s digital divide in education before new school year begins
About 56,700 laptops and 94,000 hotspots have been sent to districts across the state so far.
Sydney Johnson
June 26, 2020
California schools must provide daily live interaction, access to technology this fall
California lawmakers introduced distance learning provisions around instructional time, attendance and connecting with parents.