July 16, 2021

Q&A: My conversation with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona

U.S. Secretary Miguel Cardona visited Los Angeles to promote building positive relationships through mentorship and community volunteering.

Anne Vasquez

July 8, 2021

Few strings for colleges on how to spend record federal Covid relief dollars

The once-in-a-lifetime pandemic drove Congress and two presidential administrations to approve $69 billion in Covid relief for higher education with the highest amount, more than $9.5 billion, for California colleges and universities.

Thomas Peele

May 21, 2021

Use of Covid-relief funds should be long-term, realistic and student-centered

In spending the windfall of funds available for districts this year, leaders must plan for the long term, avoid quick fixes and resist the temptation to say yes to more than they can actually do well.

Steven Kellner and Laura Schwalm

May 19, 2021

Analysis faults districts on lack of spending accountability for Covid funding

With unprecedented billions of dollars, advocacy groups want details on how funding will help students targeted for extra assistance.

John Fensterwald

May 17, 2021

Summer school plans hinge on teacher energy

California school districts have plenty of money for robust summer school programs this year, but teachers may just be too tired to sign up.

Diana Lambert

April 20, 2021

USDA extends free meals through next school year

Advocates say being able to provide students free meals without checking eligibility is crucial to addressing child hunger during the pandemic.

Ali Tadayon

March 11, 2021

Find out how much California school districts and charter schools will get in Covid relief | Database

See how the over $15 billion in new federal aid to California’s K-12 schools will be spent using this interactive database.

Daniel J. Willis And Justin Allen

March 2, 2021

Miguel Cardona sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Education

Relative unknown figure on education landscape, Cardona will be sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

Louis Freedberg

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

In his own words: Dr. Fauci on the complexities of school reopening and vaccinations

Asked whether he would be comfortable going into a classroom and teaching, Fauci says “It’s tough because I’ve not been in that situation.”

EdSource staff

February 16, 2021

Federal guidelines for school reopening are less rigorous than state’s on several key measures

State and federal guidelines are similar in many respects, but California is stricter on when Covid rates permit schools to reopen.

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

January 26, 2021

In his own words: President Biden on 'making it safe to get kids back to school'

Biden addressed the issue on Jan. 26 in his first press conference since becoming president.

EdSource Staff

January 20, 2021

In inaugural address, Biden says it is possible to teach children ‘in safe schools’

New president will issue executive orders on DACA, student loans and immigration enforcement on his first day in office; more ambitious proposals will have to wait for Congressional approval.

Louis Freedberg

January 19, 2021

San Diego superintendent will bring years of teaching to deputy education secretary post 

President-elect Biden nominates San Diego Unified’s Cindy Marten, who taught for 17 years, to fill number two slot at the U.S. Department of Education.

Louis Freedberg