November 30, 2020

Early data on learning loss show big drop in math, but not reading skills

The impact from school closures last spring proved worrisome but not as dire as projected by the assessment organization NWEA.

John Fensterwald

November 30, 2020

Quick Guide: What California’s color-coded county tracking system means for schools

EdSource is tracking the movement of counties between four tiers in the state’s color-coded monitoring list, which is updated every Tuesday.

Theresa Harrington, Ali Tadayon, And Diana Lambert

November 24, 2020

With classrooms closed, scientists take over virtual STEM lessons in LA Unified

As California faces another coronavirus surge, scientists and museum guides are taking to Zoom to meet students at home.

Sydney Johnson

November 23, 2020

Distance learning stokes fears of excessive screen time

Family life has been disrupted in innumerable ways during the pandemic, including the nature of our relationship to screens.

Karen D'Souza

November 19, 2020

Disappointing grades, technology glitches and glimpses of learning fun

First report cards of this most unusual school year jolted many of the families participating in EdSource’s special project to chronicle how families are coping. For many, lower-than-expected grades just reinforced how much they are struggling with learning from home.

EdSource Staff

November 19, 2020

High school seniors lament what they are missing as they plan for the future

High school seniors and their families can relate to the loss and the uncertainty facing 2021 graduates.

Diana Lambert, Ali Tadayon, And Theresa Harrington

November 19, 2020

How Kusema Thomas missed six weeks of distance learning in LA Unified middle school

Kusema Thomas II looked forward to sixth grade in a new Los Angeles Unified magnet school but connecting problems cost him six weeks of virtual classes. Now, his father wants tutoring help.

John Fensterwald

November 18, 2020

‘Roadschooling’ families give new meaning to distance learning

Roadschooling, a full-time lifestyle for some, has a new batch of converts. Families dissatisfied with distance learning are heading out to see the country.

Diana Lambert

November 16, 2020

Pandemic surge puts opening of regular classrooms on hold for millions of California students

Over 90% of California students now attend schools that are not permitted to offer in-person instruction in regular classes unless they began offering them before their county was in the purple tier.

Louis Freedberg And Ali Tadayon

November 11, 2020

Why Los Angeles County’s neediest school districts don't apply for waivers to reopen campuses

The waiver process has been fraught with debate — raising issues of safety, volatility and fairness.

Karen D'Souza And Betty Márquez Rosales

November 6, 2020

How California teachers are making bilingual education work online

With most instruction now remote and with less class time, students don’t spend as much time exposed to their new language.

Zaidee Stavely

November 5, 2020

Shorter exams will replace California’s annual Smarter Balanced tests

Federal education officials said they will not waive testing requirements for the 2020-21 school year. 

Sydney Johnson

November 4, 2020

California to consider shorter Smarter Balanced tests this spring

The State Board of Education will vote this week on whether to shorten the state’s annual standardized tests in math and English language arts.

Sydney Johnson

November 3, 2020

California school districts revert to A-F grades this fall — with more flexibility for some students

California school districts have for the most part resumed A-F grading for the 2020-2021 school year, despite students learning from home.

Ali Tadayon

October 30, 2020

Students getting in-person instruction at accelerating pace in California

There are wide variations in how students are being taught across California, as most of state’s largest districts stick with distance learning.

Louis Freedberg And Alexander Montero