Covid-19

January 22, 2021

Bay Area district plans to offer distance learning in fall even after campuses reopen

Though it’s unclear when in-person instruction will resume, West Contra Costa Unified is creating a “virtual academy” option for the fall.

January 14, 2021

California school officials push for standardized testing waiver amid Covid-19 spike

California education officials voted to shorten annual tests in math and reading after federal officials said waivers would not be available in 2021.

January 11, 2021

Some California teachers and staff to receive Covid-19 vaccines beginning this week

Teachers, school staff and child care workers are among those who could begin getting vaccinations as early as this week in some parts of the state.

December 30, 2020

Responses of cheer and doubt to Gov. Newsom’s plan for in-person instruction

Superintendents welcome any state help to get students back in the classroom, but massive testing and other conditions may give some districts second thoughts.

December 22, 2020

Teachers and school staff in California increasingly likely to get vaccine in next round

State and federal health officials say prioritizing teachers and school staff will allow schools to reopen sooner for in-person instruction.

December 21, 2020

Congress approves billions more in Covid relief for schools and colleges

The $900 billion relief package includes $82 billion for K-12 and colleges, plus $22 billion for Covid testing that could help to reopen schools.

November 18, 2020

‘Roadschooling’ families give new meaning to distance learning

Roadschooling, a full-time lifestyle for some, has a new batch of converts. Families dissatisfied with distance learning are heading out to see the country.

November 11, 2020

Rising Covid-19 rates halt school reopening plans in three California counties

Surging Covid-19 cases pushed three more counties into the most restrictive tier on the state tracking system, putting plans to reopen school campuses on pause.

November 3, 2020

California school districts revert to A-F grades this fall — with more flexibility for some students

California school districts have for the most part resumed A-F grading for the 2020-2021 school year, despite students learning from home.

October 28, 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.

October 23, 2020

Virus outbreaks unavoidable as school campuses reopen, experts warn

Safety measures can help lower, but not eliminate, the risk of virus transmission.

October 2, 2020

As University of California campuses reopen, UC San Diego deploys aggressive strategy to contain Covid-19

UC San Diego is welcoming students back to campus with mass Covid-19 testing, Bluetooth technology and wastewater testing.

September 23, 2020

West Contra Costa Unified expected to break even this year after major budget cuts

The West Contra Costa Unified School District is expected to break even this year after making around $30 million in ongoing budget cuts and dipping into its reserves and retiree benefits trust. Though the district is in a better financial position than it was, more cuts could be on the horizon in the next three years as the national recession worsens.