March 1, 2021

California parents continue to disagree on return to school as Covid-19 cases decline

Many families have had drastically different experiences during the pandemic, creating a mix of fear and frustration over prolonged closures.

Sydney Johnson

February 26, 2021

California veteran teachers say they’re working harder and longer, often with little district help

Teachers surveyed report they’ve relied primarily on their colleagues and themselves to figure out teaching during the pandemic.

John Fensterwald

February 25, 2021

Why some school districts are open for in-person instruction but in some cases, neighboring ones aren’t

A complex set of factors dictate how and when districts decide to reopen schools, leading to widely varying schedules.

Carolyn Jones

February 24, 2021

California moves ahead to pursue flexibility waivers for standardized tests this year

The state board will consider if districts can use locally selected tests where Smarter Balanced assessments are not feasible.

Sydney Johnson

February 22, 2021

Schools must give standardized tests this year, Biden administration says

It’s been unclear whether the Biden administration would offer testing waivers as many school districts continue to operate with distance learning.

Sydney Johnson

February 19, 2021

Veteran teachers surveyed worry about Covid’s long-term harm on California students

In the first of a series capturing teachers' experiences, most express alarm over the pandemic's impact on learning and mental health.

John Fensterwald

February 19, 2021

California students watch and learn through hands-on projects as Mars rover lands

Teachers have crafted weeks and even months-long lessons culminating with the historic Mars rover landing on Feb. 18.

Sydney Johnson

February 16, 2021

Special education teachers grapple with risks of in-person classes: ‘An impossible choice’

Students who won’t wear masks or socially distance create for a “nerve-wracking” work environment.

Carolyn Jones

February 12, 2021

White students in California more likely to be getting in-person instruction than Black, Latino and Asian students

Across California, nearly half of all districts with elementary schools have reopened them to in-person or hybrid learning. White students more likely to be attending school in-person.

Sydney Johnson And Daniel J. Willis

February 12, 2021

Talks slow, no word yet from Newsom and top lawmakers on deal to reopen schools

Disagreements over vaccinations and extensive Covid testing appear among issues yet to be resolved for elementary students to return to class.

John Fensterwald

February 10, 2021

California schools struggle to test English learners’ progress during pandemic

The spread of the coronavirus and the digital divide are obstacles for testing students' English skills.

Zaidee Stavely

February 9, 2021

California teachers grapple with grading nearly a year after initial school closures

Many districts are seeing surges in Fs and Ds during distance learning, prompting a revision of expectations and policies around grades.

Sydney Johnson

January 29, 2021

California teachers union wants schools in ‘purple’ counties to stay closed for 100 days; vaccinations for staff

The teachers union wants most California schools to remain closed for 100 days while the state comes up with a plan to slow the spread of the virus and vaccinate school staff.

Diana Lambert

January 28, 2021

What happens to children who missed kindergarten during Covid-19 crisis?

While many students have likely suffered learning loss during the global health crisis, it may have a greater impact on incoming first-graders.

Karen D'Souza

January 27, 2021

With Gov. Newsom's back-to-school plan all but doomed, what might it take to salvage it?

The Feb.1 deadline for the plan soon will pass; talks continue over complaints the plan’s requirements and timeline were unworkable.

John Fensterwald