Gov. Gavin Newsom

September 16, 2020

First big reform of California’s education funding law awaits governor’s signature

The bill, favored by student rights groups, would end a “loophole” allowing districts to freely use unspent money intended for “high-needs” students.

John Fensterwald

September 2, 2020

Lawmakers fail to pass bills reducing number of tests for teachers by legislative deadline

Three bills that would have allowed California teachers to take fewer tests to prove they are ready to teach died Monday.

Diana Lambert

August 31, 2020

Quick Guide: What California's color-coded county tracking system means for schools

State replaced previous county monitoring list with four-tiered system at end of August to simplify tracking based on two Covid-19 metrics.

Theresa Harrington

August 31, 2020

Color purple will determine whether California schools can open for in-class instruction

New system creates confusion as some counties that were no longer on state monitoring list find themselves effectively back on with most restrictive purple rating.

Louis Freedberg

August 25, 2020

California wildfires add angst to distance learning

Massive wildfires have become an annual event in California, and they are the first test of how schools can handle a crisis while distance learning.

Diana Lambert And Theresa Harrington

August 21, 2020

‘Rigor’ through distance learning calls for quality, not quantity

During this crisis, schools and teachers should focus on keeping students engaged and learning.

Tom Armelino

August 17, 2020

Power outages hit California as school resumes virtually across the state

Power outages due to heat wave could affect California residents through Wednesday, governor promises flexibility if schools are affected.

Theresa Harrington

August 14, 2020

California schools allowed to open for small groups with ’acute’ needs under new guidance

Forthcoming guidance permitting limited openings will apply to districts in counties on the coronavirus watch list, where schools are shut down.

John Fensterwald

August 14, 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 10, 2020

Data glitches delay whether California districts can seek waiver for in-person instruction

Backlog of records is expected to be added to county data within 72 hours, which will allow the state to unfreeze its county monitoring list.

Theresa Harrington

August 7, 2020

Glitches in California’s Covid-19 data could be fixed within two days, state official says

After the data issues are resolved, counties will be able to make decisions about elementary school waivers, state official says.

Theresa Harrington

August 7, 2020

Why special education funding will be more equitable under new state law

The state plans to spend an additional $650 million on special education under new law.

Carolyn Jones

July 24, 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 21, 2020

California districts can seek waiver for elementary schools from ban on in-school instruction

County health directors would decide whether to allow small groups of students into schools or open up districts in remote corners of counties.

John Fensterwald

July 17, 2020

Governor’s order means most California school campuses won’t reopen at the beginning of school year

Campuses in 32 of the state’s 58 counties are unlikely to open for the start of the new school year.

Diana Lambert