Gavin Newsom

October 15, 2021

Could new Covid testing and vaccine mandates make school staffing shortages in California worse?

School superintendents, already dealing with severe staff shortages, are concerned that testing and vaccine mandates could make matters worse.

Diana Lambert

State Education Policy

October 13, 2021

What's next for California education? New laws and vetoes

This year, the Legislature's focus on education was on Covid-related bills and on a record-high state budget, which includes tens of billions of new and one-time spending, along with policy decisions on how to spend the money.

EdSource staff

Financial Aid

October 8, 2021

Newsom vetoes bill that would have made major changes to Cal Grant program

AB 1456 would have expanded financial aid eligibility to 160,000 additional students, mostly community college students. It also would simplify the Cal Grant program.

Michael Burke

Race and Equity

October 8, 2021

California becomes first state to require ethnic studies in high school

One year after he vetoed legislation, Gov. Newsom signs bill, also releasing $50 million for districts to create ethnic studies curricula.

John Fensterwald

Legislation

October 8, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom signs $123.9 billion package to support K-12 education

The 22-bill package will increase broadband infrastructure, develop mental and behavioral health support and add a new ethnic studies high school graduation requirement.

Betty Márquez Rosales

State Education Policy

October 4, 2021

How California's commitment to safety is leading us out of the pandemic

The history of pandemics illustrates the importance of continued vigilance.

Linda Darling-Hammond

Coronavirus

October 1, 2021

California to require Covid vaccine for all students, Newsom says

The mandate, the nation’s first, applies to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade in public, charter and private schools.

Carolyn Jones

Financial Aid

September 16, 2021

Newsom administration opposes major changes to Cal Grants, calling them too costly

AB 1456 would make major changes to California's main financial aid program, but it's unclear if Gov. Gavin Newsom will sign the bill.

Michael Burke

State Education Policy

September 15, 2021

Newsom celebrates recall victory and schools’ safety record, but warns: ‘We must remain vigilant’

Visiting an Oakland Unified middle school, Newsom said he feels humbled and energized by the recall victory, and urges Covid safety measures.

Carolyn Jones

Elections and Education

September 14, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom resoundingly beats back recall election

Democratic voters rally around the California governor in the closing days of the campaign, in a strong turnout to keep him in office.

John Fensterwald And Thomas Peele

Homeless Youth

September 10, 2021

California schools to get help identifying homeless students if governor signs bill

Legislators say the need is urgent as researchers estimate the number of homeless students in California has increased during the pandemic.

Betty Márquez Rosales

Elections and Education

September 8, 2021

Could a recall-elected Republican governor really shake up K-12 schools?

A supermajority in the Legislature would rein in a new governor, who'd also face long odds on the big prize: selling a voucher initiative next year.

John Fensterwald

Teacher Shortage

September 2, 2021

Substitute shortages so severe, some districts may have to temporarily close classrooms

California's already dire substitute shortage has become a crisis for some schools. Districts are responding by increasing salaries, asking parents for help.