State Board of Education

April 8, 2021

Local assessments an option if Smarter Balanced tests ‘not viable,’ U.S. education officials affirm

California state officials have not yet outlined in detail what conditions must exist for a district to select an alternative assessment.

Sydney Johnson

April 2, 2021

Local assessments an option if statewide tests aren't viable during pandemic, California officials signal

California’s plan would still offer Smarter Balanced assessments in math and English language arts, the California Science Test, as well as tests for English learners.

Sydney Johnson

March 19, 2021

After 8 hours, 250-plus speakers, California board adopts ethnic studies model curriculum

The state board unanimously adopted voluntary guidance for ethnic studies with one addition, clarifying the role of “critical race theory.”

John Fensterwald

March 17, 2021

California could allow school districts to choose their own standardized tests this year

Groups opposing local assessments argue that the results will not be easily or accurately compared on a statewide level.

Sydney Johnson

February 24, 2021

California moves ahead to pursue flexibility waivers for standardized tests this year

The state board will consider if districts can use locally selected tests where Smarter Balanced assessments are not feasible.

Sydney Johnson

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.

Sydney Johnson

January 13, 2021

In the right direction? Perspectives on Gov. Newsom’s education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s early education and K-12 budget proposals.

Andrew Reed

July 9, 2020

Gov. Newsom names three members to California’s State Board of Education

Riverside administrator Cynthia Glover Woods, Yurok Tribe leader James McQuillen and bilingual high school teacher Haydee Rodriguez join the board.

John Fensterwald

February 6, 2020

California’s schools chief states his position as his department revises ethnic studies curriculum

Tony Thurmond says the curriculum should focus on African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicanos and Latinos, and Native Americans.

John Fensterwald

January 15, 2020

California Voices: Education leaders speak out on Gov. Newsom's budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s budget proposals.

EdSource staff

December 11, 2019

California parents, preschool teachers learn to teach math through children’s books

A series of activities designed to teach math concepts inspired by children’s books is being piloted as part of a statewide early math initiative.

Zaidee Stavely

November 19, 2019

California must build the capacity of its public universities to admit more computer science majors

The state is promoting computer science in K-12 schools, but UC and CSU colleges lack bandwidth to meet the demand.

Trish Boyd Williams and Sathya Narayanan

September 19, 2019

California needs time to get ethnic studies curriculum right

The debate over whether ethnic studies is an appropriate and valuable course for high school students was settled long ago.

Linda Darling-Hammond

June 4, 2019

California needs all its K-12 public schools to be strong: traditional and charter

State should preserve appeals process for charter schools, former State Board member says.

Trish Boyd Williams

May 20, 2019

Lawsuit challenges use of restraint, seclusion in California special education school

The guardians of four special education students claim their children were illegally put in restraint holds and secluded.

Diana Lambert