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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
September 26, 2022

We need to fix professional development for teachers

Instead of long, arduous training about content they are already experts in, schools should offer training that is engaging and focused on content enrichment.

Kati Begen
Student voices
September 26, 2022

The struggles of attending college while caring for a dying parent

As her mother was dying, the bond they shared fuels her caregiving daughter's determination to get through Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Annais Garcia
Commentary
September 20, 2022

Let's help struggling students rather than benefiting textbook publishers

California can lead the way for millions of students by making college course materials free.

Gary K. Michelson and Michelle Pilati 
Commentary
September 19, 2022

Invest in more housing for hardworking college students with kids

Investing in affordable family housing for students will pay dividends for California students and families for generations.

Kenya Abner
Commentary
September 19, 2022

Let's make the most of the flood of resources for our students

As unprecedented funding flows into education across the country, administrators must improve communication and coordination to ensure it makes a real difference for students.

Nati Rodriguez
Commentary
September 14, 2022

A trusting relationship between school, home is essential for excellent outcomes in special education

Building trust requires more than just a prompt response to calls and emails. But that simple act is a powerful signal to recipients that their concerns have been heard and someone cares about them.

Miriam Kurtzig Freedman
Commentary
September 13, 2022

Opportunity begins in kindergarten

Attendance in kindergarten should not be optional, and voluntary participation results in too many parents delaying their child’s entrance into school until first grade.

Alberto M. Carvalho and Pedro Noguera
Commentary
September 12, 2022

California is failing to educate students on climate change

Environmental science should be among the A-G courses required for admission to UC/CSU.

Martin Blythe
Commentary
September 8, 2022

California must prioritize science education to stay competitive

The pandemic further derailed science education and the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards in many California schools.

Niu Gao and Kathy DiRanna
Commentary
September 7, 2022

New professional standards would help teachers better engage, empower students

Inclusivity and culturally relevant learning experiences should not be left to chance. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing should quickly approve the updated standards for the teaching profession.

Josh Salas
Commentary
September 5, 2022

We need a bigger, broader village to support our Black and Latino students

With a sustained, communitywide effort, LAUSD can make a lasting impact on the kids hit hardest by the pandemic and rising inflation.

Ana Ponce
Commentary
August 29, 2022

Canceling community college classes is shortsighted

Canceling classes due to lower enrollment is devastating to students and faculty. Community colleges have the funds and should invest in smaller classes instead.

Jeff Freitas and James McKeever
Commentary
August 25, 2022

Let's finish the historic reform of remedial education and make good on our promise

California has come so far in removing unfair barriers to community college students' academic success, but there's more work to do.

Daisy Gonzales
Commentary
August 23, 2022

To solve our mental health crisis, give more children equal access to play

Many public schools have defunded sports programs, and most offer physical education just a few days a week, reinforcing a pay-to-play youth sports culture with few free and low-cost opportunities at a time when they are most needed.

Renata Simril 
Commentary
August 22, 2022

Nutrition education can be a game-changer for our youth

Providing healthier meals in schools alone is not enough. Students need to learn about nutrition from an early age so they can make better food choices.

Elizabeth Falkner