Policy and Legislation

February 21, 2018

California research project timed to elevate education in fall elections, inform next governor

"Getting Down to Facts" studies will take stock of a decade of change and point to what other states are doing differently.

John Fensterwald

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 8, 2017

California moves to curtail expelling children from preschool — yes, preschool

California is part of a national effort to restrict pushing children out of preschool for disruptive behavior.

Lee Romney

October 16, 2017

Possible free first year of community college amid flurry of education-related bills signed by governor

Brown signed nine out of 10 bills sent to him by the State Legislature by the Sunday night deadline.

EdSource staff

September 17, 2017

Legislation roundup: STEM school, later school start, 'meal shaming,' budget reserves; what passed and what didn't

What also happened to California proposals for charter schools, fiscal transparency, longer teacher probation — and more.

EdSource staff

June 1, 2017

California law spurs reforms after suicide cluster

A suicide cluster in Clovis Unified has fast-tracked district efforts to do more to address students' mental health.

Jane Meredith Adams

May 31, 2017

Assembly pressing for solutions to teacher shortage in state budget

Gov. Jerry Brown has his own idea, using $11 million in federal funding.

John Fensterwald

May 24, 2017

Bill would help California schools teach about 'fake news,' media literacy

The bill would require a committee of educators, librarians and media experts to create guidelines for teachers.

Carolyn Jones

April 27, 2017

Trump executive order on education echoes Gov. Brown's belief in 'local control' of schools

California and Washington appear in sync on at least one issue: local control of schools.

Louis Freedberg

March 19, 2017

To retain teachers, lawmakers push to exempt them from state income tax

California would be first state to exempt income taxes for teachers. The income tax bill joins others bills aimed at easing state's teacher shortage.

Fermin Leal

January 31, 2017

Hundreds protest in Oakland against Trump's nominee for education secretary

Teachers, administrators and parents object to DeVos’ positions promoting charter schools and vouchers.

Carolyn Jones

January 23, 2017

Mascot law rolls out and schools obey the letter of the law, if not the spirit

A new law bans the use of "Redskins" as a mascot at California high schools, but allows schools to continue to use logos of American Indians and for students to dress up in American Indian costumes.