Tony Thurmond

November 16, 2020

California schools chief Tony Thurmond: 'This is the time for an abundance of caution'

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond emphasizes safety as number one consideration in re-opening schools, and says that data will need to be monitored very carefully in the coming weeks to determine whether schools can open in January.

Louis Freedberg

November 7, 2020

More changes proposed for California’s ethnic studies curriculum to strengthen ‘balance’

State schools chief adds lesson plans for Asian ethnic groups who felt left out and rewords sections to encourage multiple points of view.

John Fensterwald

October 29, 2020

Expanding social emotional learning so all students can benefit

Resources and funding can help districts provide more support for students during these challenging times.

Linda Darling-Hammond, Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Tony Thurmond

October 21, 2020

For first time, heads of all California’s public education systems are Black or Latino

A fundamental question is how much difference their backgrounds will make in moving forward on racial and equity challenges facing their institutions.

Louis Freedberg

October 15, 2020

Up to 1 million California students may still lack connectivity during distance learning

State leaders struggle to pinpoint how many students remain unconnected, and fear widening inequality as distance learning continues.

Sydney Johnson

September 22, 2020

California schools chief’s 'end hate' initiative prompts contrast with President Trump

State Supt. Tony Thurmond’s anti-racism effort involving Simon Wiesenthal Center and others would stress teaching tolerance amid rising incidents of hate.

John Fensterwald

September 18, 2020

For California’s new head of special education, ‘nothing is insurmountable’

Heather Calomese talks to EdSource about distance learning, social justice and the future of special education.

Carolyn Jones

August 1, 2020

New draft ethnic studies curriculum for California students issued after a year of study

The revision stresses inclusion but keeps focus on four ethnic/racial groups: African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans.

John Fensterwald

July 10, 2020

State funding may be stagnant, but schools can still find money for mental health services

Schools should work with nonprofits and government agencies to pay for expanded services, panelists say.

Carolyn Jones

June 30, 2020

Benefits, harm of school police the focus of state task force hearing

As districts disband or reform their police units, policymakers consider how to improve campus safety statewide.

Carolyn Jones

June 8, 2020

Students should expect masks, temperature checks and a lot of hand washing under California guidance

State guidance offers recommendations, but school districts will decide conditions and safety measures for reopening campuses.

Diana Lambert

June 5, 2020

California schools chief launches campaign against racial bias

The superintendent of public instruction announced he is launching a training initiative to help end systematic racism in schools.

Diana Lambert

June 1, 2020

Emotional schools chief Tony Thurmond vows to address racism in public education

It’s time to address racism and implicit bias in education and its impact on black and brown students, the Superintendent of Public Instruction said.

Diana Lambert

June 1, 2020

'A turning point’: California education leaders speak out about racism and police brutality

This current crisis must be more than a teachable moment; it must lead to real change, education leaders say.

Carolyn Jones

May 28, 2020

California needs $500 million to buy enough computers, internet connections for all students

Distance learning expected to continue next year as districts move to a hybrid online and in-person instruction model.

Diana Lambert