California Department of Education

July 1, 2021

Pandemic drives sharp rise in California families opening their own home schools

Almost 35,000 California families filed a private school affidavit to home-school their children during the 2020-21 school year — more than double the number filed before the pandemic.

Diana Lambert

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

March 18, 2021

Schools chief uses influence to shape policy during pandemic, but lacks power to make big decisions

Thurmond felt pressured by county school superintendents to decree all campuses be closed after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.

Diana Lambert

February 25, 2021

California education official who authored articles espousing conspiracy theories put on paid leave

Craig Heimbichner was promoted in January to the position of education administrator in the charter schools division of the education department.

Diana Lambert

December 23, 2020

New California absenteeism data shows big discrepancies between white, Black students

Black students far more likely to face disciplinary measures for missing school, statewide data shows.

Carolyn Jones And Daniel J. Willis

November 4, 2020

California’s misleading K-12 dashboard could lead to closure of the wrong schools

Dashboard calculations of school performance can obscure the success of schools helping students who are several grade levels behind.

Steve Rees and David Osborne

September 18, 2020

For California’s new head of special education, ‘nothing is insurmountable’

Heather Calomese talks to EdSource about distance learning, social justice and the future of special education.

Carolyn Jones

August 17, 2020

Federal government must ensure schools have funds to re-open safely

Districts have incurred many new costs as a result of the pandemic and face budget deferrals and cuts as a result of the financial crisis.

Jenny Fitzgerald

June 8, 2020

Students should expect masks, temperature checks and a lot of hand washing under California guidance

State guidance offers recommendations, but school districts will decide conditions and safety measures for reopening campuses.

Diana Lambert

June 8, 2020

Complex health considerations make reopening California’s schools a challenge

Doctors urge schools to reopen, but some parents are reluctant to put children at risk.

Carolyn Jones

June 5, 2020

California schools chief launches campaign against racial bias

The superintendent of public instruction announced he is launching a training initiative to help end systematic racism in schools.

Diana Lambert

June 1, 2020

Emotional schools chief Tony Thurmond vows to address racism in public education

It’s time to address racism and implicit bias in education and its impact on black and brown students, the Superintendent of Public Instruction said.

Diana Lambert

May 22, 2020

Students speak out: ‘Distance learning has challenged me incredibly’

State hosts first panel for students to talk about their concerns about online classes and their mental health.

Carolyn Jones

May 14, 2020

Oakland eases graduation requirements to address student challenges during crisis

Oakland Unified school board temporarily waives its 2.0 GPA and senior project grad requirements during emergencies such as school closures.

Theresa Harrington

April 17, 2020

California should push harder for special education during school closures, disability rights groups say

The California Department of Education has provided guidance for districts, schools, teachers and parents of students in special education.

Carolyn Jones