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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. On this page, you will find EdSource’s stories exploring these challenges and strategies to overcome them.
June 11, 2020

More explicit guidance for distance learning sparks debate in Legislature

Parents and student advocacy groups are demanding better remote instruction than what many children, especially in low-income schools, have received.

John Fensterwald
June 11, 2020

California teachers worry gap widening for English learners during school closures

To learn English, children need a lot of practice speaking aloud and interacting with others, which was difficult when school campuses closed.

Zaidee Stavely
June 10, 2020

California science teachers look for new ways to bring hands-on experiments to students

While some families are doing science projects at home, teachers say a lack of supplies makes it difficult to assign hands-on experiments.

Sydney Johnson
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 4, 2020

Lawmakers look for new ways to pay for broadband in rural California

A bond proposal aims to build broadband infrastructure in rural California, help purchase computers and fund professional training for teachers.

Sydney Johnson
June 3, 2020

Learning loss and achievement gaps top discussion on school reopening

State Board of Education President, Oakland Unified Superintendent and Hoover Institute fellow discuss inequities among returning students.

Theresa Harrington
June 1, 2020

College isn’t the same from behind a laptop screen

College graduate mourns loss of last semester on campus, commencement ceremony.

Bonnie Wong
May 28, 2020

Oakland Unified helps seniors overcome graduation challenges

District reaches out to families through wellness checks, changes grading and graduation requirements, provides some technology to seniors.

Theresa Harrington
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
May 27, 2020

I never thought that I would miss school, but I do

High school student adjusts to school, life in lockdown.

Marina Knowles
May 25, 2020

California college students grapple with finishing semester online

Transition to distance learning poses myriad challenges for community college students.

Kasper Dilmaghani and Isis Piccillo
May 22, 2020

Students speak out: ‘Distance learning has challenged me incredibly’

State hosts first panel for students to talk about their concerns about online classes and their mental health.

Carolyn Jones
May 21, 2020

We must help high school juniors and seniors stay on the college path

The pandemic threatens to derail the pathways to college and career for too many California students.

Elisha Smith Arrillaga and Anne Stanton
May 21, 2020

Parenting during a pandemic: A family journal

I have a confession to make. Distance learning is not working well in my house. My 5th-grader is not finishing all of her assignments.

Zaidee Stavely
May 20, 2020

Students, parents need more say in how distance learning is implemented

Transition to distance learning might have been less bumpy if parents and students were consulted.

Evelyn G. Alemán