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Commentary

Commentaries published in this section and on EdSource more generally represent the opinions of the authors, who in turn are reflective of EdSource’s broad audience. As an independent, non-partisan organization, EdSource does not take a position on legislation or policy. We welcome guest commentaries representing diverse points of view. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our commentary guidelines, and contact us.
Commentary
May 20, 2022

California education to be spared divisive statewide election battles this year

Louis Freedberg
Commentary
May 19, 2022

A comprehensive reading plan is the only way to address our early literacy crisis

The failure to teach California’s three million low-income students to be effective readers is the ultimate existential threat.

Todd Collins
Commentary
May 18, 2022

California must consider rural districts' unique realities for community schools grants

Innovative program that allowed rural districts to collaborate to create and expand community school programs runs into a surprising roadblock.

Julie Boesch and Tim Taylor
Commentary
May 17, 2022

California students need more high-quality advanced math options

Instead of arguing over which advanced math courses best prepare high school students for their futures, California policymakers must ensure that all students have access to multiple high-quality options.

Pamela Burdman
Commentary
May 15, 2022

Make equity the main ingredient in California’s community colleges

The diversity of faculty and staff has a direct impact on the experience and success of California Community Colleges students.

Christopher Nellum
Commentary
May 12, 2022

Computer Science is everywhere in our world but almost nowhere in California schools

The governor and the Legislature should use the state budget to finally invest in the computer science teachers who are guiding California’s students.

Allison Scott, Art Lopez and Susan Bonilla
Commentary
May 12, 2022

The bus stops here: Time to fund transportation for all California students

California ranks last in the nation in the proportion of children receiving transportation from their schools. Districts would readily expand busing if the state fully covered the cost.

Christopher Schiermeyer and Mark Becker
Commentary
May 10, 2022

Controversial gender ideology in public education undermines families of faith

California and local school boards must allow parents to mentor their children on gender matters.

Rabbi Dov Fischer
Commentary
May 10, 2022

Reframing school as an identity playground: A space for exploration and affirmation

When students are encouraged to explore exactly who they are and who their classmates are — and not to expect everyone to conform to one homogenous view of the world — school becomes not just a place of education, but one of humanity.

Leigh Dela Victoria
Commentary
May 10, 2022

San Francisco Unified recall shows how parents can transform a district

School boards shouldn’t be political stepping stones for higher office. Parents must stay engaged to ensure their schools are run well.

Meredith W. Dodson
Commentary
May 8, 2022

Twitter sale shows us why education technology companies should be accountable to schools

The growing dependence of education on a constellation of privately controlled technologies cedes power to companies that are unaccountable to the schools and communities they are meant to serve.

T. Philip Nichols and Antero Garcia
Commentary
May 3, 2022

How to address the teacher shortage before the well runs dry

State and federal legislators must enact measures to alleviate the conditions causing California teachers to quit. The public must demand action before we can't even keep our schools open.

Cassandra R. Henderson
Student voices
May 2, 2022

Coming to UCLA the second time was scarier - but was worth it

The prospect of returning to UCLA for in-person classes after the pandemic was scary, but in the end, I found some of my worries were overblown.

Megan Tagami
Commentary
May 2, 2022

As bilingual programs expand, let's keep an eye on equity for English learners

As the popularity of dual immersion bilingual schools grows, we must also help English learners and their families understand that these programs can benefit them, too.

Anya Hurwitz
Commentary
April 27, 2022

How to restore California’s ailing child care system: Pay the teachers

Polls show that Californians have the will to invest in child care and teachers’ wages. Do the governor and lawmakers?

Lea Austin