February 28, 2018

Forecast for California school climates remains cloudy without good data, advocates say

School districts are trying a variety of strategies aimed at creating safe and welcoming school environments, but there is controversy over the role and frequency of student surveys, and how to use them.

David Washburn

February 15, 2018

Countdown to expand ban on ‘willful defiance’ suspensions in California schools

With the current ban on such suspensions for grades K-3 set to expire in July, a bill that would expand the ban to include all schools is making its way through the state Legislature.

David Washburn

November 1, 2017

Suspension, expulsion rates fall sharply in California, but racial and ethnic disparities remain

New state data shows 46 percent drop in school suspensions over the last five years. The suspension rate for African American students in 2016-17 was 9.8 percent, for Latino students 3.7 percent, for white students 3.2 percent, and for Asian students 1.1 percent.

Carolyn Jones

March 22, 2017

Suspension rates for African-American students escalate in middle school

Entering middle school marks a turning point for students.

Jane Meredith Adams

January 4, 2017

For teachers, it's not just what you say, it's how you say it

From yelling to whispering, a teacher's tone of voice in the classroom affects learning and student behavior, some educators say.

Jane Meredith Adams

September 29, 2016

Preschool teachers’ implicit bias impacts black boys most, study says

The study focused on teachers' reactions and expectations regarding behavior.

Jeremy Hay

June 9, 2016

Tulare County superintendent: Accountability 'about process' as much as the document

Michael Collier

June 8, 2016

Sacramento County schools superintendent: Accountability plans 'an enormous adjustment'

Michael Collier

January 13, 2016

Suspensions and expulsions decline as districts adopt alternatives, state says

The biggest decline in suspensions was in the "willful defiance" category.

Jane Meredith Adams

November 23, 2015

California student suspension rate drops as 'willful defiance' punishments decline

Lower rates of suspension were correlated with higher academic achievement for every racial group in the state, the study found.

Jane Meredith Adams

November 6, 2015

Expulsion of preschoolers: 'Let’s take that option off the table'

African-American preschoolers are expelled and suspended more often, report finds.

Erin Brownfield

August 19, 2015

Getting to the 'why' of discipline disparities

A new guide outlines steps districts can take to improve practices.

Jane Meredith Adams

July 17, 2015

We can't give up on struggling students

USC Social Work and Public Policy graduate student Lisa Higuera connects stories from her childhood to today's push for school discipline reform.

Lisa Higuera

July 16, 2015

Budget allocates $10 million for training in positive discipline

The one-time funding supports multi-tiered approaches to discipline.

Susan Frey

July 10, 2015

Injunction would require trauma training for Compton Unified staff

The one-day training is seen as the first step in dealing with chronic trauma.

Susan Frey