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Academics
Topic

Distance Learning

The coronavirus crisis has forced school districts, colleges and universities to shift to teaching and learning online. But distance learning poses myriad challenges in a state of 40 million people where many students still lack reliable access to the internet and the devices they need to succeed in online learning. Under this topic, you will find EdSource’s stories exploring these challenges and strategies to overcome them.
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
Los Angeles Unified
February 7, 2022

LA Unified's independent study less chaotic, but parental complaints persist

L.A. Unified parents say the district’s independent study program has improved from the fall, yet they remain frustrated with its format and curriculum.

Kate Sequeira
Legislation
September 13, 2021

Legislature reaffirms quarantined students must be in independent study to be funded

Some changes in the independent study law may help districts, but a teacher shortage remains the biggest obstacle to providing instruction.

John Fensterwald
State Education Policy
September 6, 2021

Changes for educating quarantined California students proposed by governor, Legislature 

State leaders recognize crisis some districts face but don't backtrack from applying independent study to students sidelined by delta variant.

John Fensterwald
Quick Guides
August 26, 2021

What is independent study in California? | Quick Guide

Independent study is this year's at-home alternative to in-person instruction for parents worried about contracting Covid. How will it work?

John Fensterwald And Sydney Johnson
School Finance
August 23, 2021

Many small districts complain California shorted their funding during the pandemic

Many small districts educated students who fled urban areas due to Covid, yet weren't compensated, with a big impact on their budgets.

John Fensterwald
State Education Policy
August 9, 2021

As California schools reopen, will there be a surge in independent study?

Families have a right to independent study instead of in-person instruction; worry about the delta variant may determine how many choose it.

John Fensterwald
Digital Divide
July 15, 2021

California moves to adopt historic $6 billion broadband plan

The bill will enable local governments and nonprofits to bypass private companies and build their own broadband infrastructure.

Sydney Johnson
Coronavirus
July 8, 2021

California voters give schools and teachers top grades in year-end survey

Were voters "grading on a curve" in recognition of hard work amid a pandemic? Polling also found growing tensions on race and politics.

John Fensterwald
Distance Learning
July 7, 2021

California directs districts to offer remote independent study this fall

The education trailer bill extends independent study to students whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction.

Sydney Johnson
Distance Learning
July 1, 2021

Pandemic drives sharp rise in California families opening their own home schools

Almost 35,000 California families filed a private school affidavit to home-school their children during the 2020-21 school year — more than double the number filed before the pandemic.

Diana Lambert
State Education Policy
June 24, 2021

Grading changes, other Covid accommodations await Gov. Newsom’s signature

An extra year in high school, a Pass or No Pass option and minimum graduation requirements would help undo damage from the pandemic.

John Fensterwald
Distance Learning
June 7, 2021

California schools move ahead with fall distance learning plans despite limitations

Parents and education advocacy groups are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend distance learning provisions for the upcoming school year.

Sydney Johnson
Coronavirus
May 18, 2021

Quick Guide: Where do things stand on in-person instruction in California?

This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about how California is moving forward with plans for reopening the state’s K-12 schools for full in-person instructions.

EdSource staff
Distance Learning
May 5, 2021

Over half of California public school students remain in distance learning

An EdSource analysis found far fewer low-income students have returned for in-person instruction and large variations by region.

Daniel J. Willis And John Fensterwald