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Topic

High-needs students

California’s school finance system allocates extra funding for English learners, students who are low-income or homeless and children in foster care. Collectively, these students are often referred to “high needs students.” Though many students fall into more than one category, each of these groups faces unique challenges. In the stories below, EdSource shines a light on these challenges as well as strategies to address them. See also: Foster youth, Homeless youth, English learners, and Low-income Students.
Homeless Youth
June 1, 2023

Amid pockets of rising student homelessness, California districts tap Covid funding to help families

Pandemic-era funding has helped school staff identify and support more homeless students, but its expiration is looming. Staff are afraid of how this loss will impact students.

Betty Márquez Rosales, Emma Gallegos, And Daniel J. Willis
Commentary
May 30, 2023

Protect a golden opportunity for students and our future

The Golden State Pathways program promises to replace exactly what’s hurting us most right now, with exactly what can help us most for the future.

Anne Stanton, Linda Collins and Christopher J. Nellum
High-needs students
May 30, 2023

Therapy dogs changed the culture of mental health in this Central Valley district

From more participation at mental health awareness events to more student support referrals for services, these two cockapoos have helped destigmatize mental health in this Central Valley school district, students and staff say.

Lasherica Thornton
Commentary
May 28, 2023

We must continue to improve the quality of school nutrition in California

California would be the first state in the nation to adopt a firm, science-based standard governing the amount of added sugar and salt allowed in school meals. State leaders can ensure that every student has the fresh, nutrient-dense food they need to thrive by passing Senate Bill 348.

Erin Primer and Lena AlSarraf
Bilingual Education
May 24, 2023

Roundtable: Best practices for teaching English learners how to read

A panel of experts told EdSource on Tuesday that for English Language learners, it’s important to balance phonics and other reading skills all students need with opportunities to grow students’ understanding of the language they are learning.

Ali Tadayon
Commentary
May 23, 2023

California must invest in more diverse school administrators

Research shows that students in California, especially students of color, experience better educational outcomes in schools led by diverse leaders.

Michael Gebreslassie
Teacher Shortage
May 18, 2023

Proposed state budget could make becoming a teacher easier

The governor's revised budget could put a dent in California's ongoing teacher shortage by removing obstacles to earning a credential and providing more funds to train teachers for hard-to-fill positions.

Diana Lambert And Zaidee Stavely
Commentary
May 14, 2023

Gov. Newsom's 'equity multiplier' proposal is a game-changer for Black students; I know firsthand

While there is no silver bullet, the funding and real accountability measures in the proposal can help ensure schools address persistent opportunity and achievement gaps for Black students.

Dwight Bonds
Literacy
May 12, 2023

Mandatory dyslexia screening clears major hurdle in Newsom budget

English learner advocates and the teachers union had opposed universal dyslexia screening.

Carolyn Jones
Bilingual Education
May 11, 2023

From English learner to National Bilingual Teacher of the Year

Sonia Águila didn't speak English fluently until high school. Now she's the National Bilingual Teacher of the Year.

Zaidee Stavely
Commentary
May 9, 2023

California’s community colleges are more than ready for affordable student housing

The state must invest to ensure community college students can have the same housing support that university students already receive.

Jose Fierro
Commentary
May 9, 2023

Building a culture of belonging is key to keeping diverse girls in STEM pipeline

It doesn’t work to expect Black and brown girls to simply “fit in” and mold to existing environments that weren’t designed for them — they need to feel seen and valued.

Nikole Collins-Puri
Foster Youth
May 5, 2023

Bill seeks to increase housing support for youth in extended foster care

Foster youth in extended care receive a monthly housing stipend; AB 525 seeks to provide a housing supplement that would increase the monthly stipend depending on the housing costs of the county the youth lives in.

Betty Márquez Rosales
Commentary
April 18, 2023

Disparities in 'unexcused' absences deepen education inequities

Many school absences labeled 'unexcused' are for reasons not in the student's or family's control — yet they can have serious consequences for students. We can do better.

Hedy Chang, Clea McNeely and Kevin Gee
California's Reading Dilemma
April 13, 2023

How one school gets English learners to read by third grade

Led by a principal who was an English learner, Frank Sparkes Elementary in Winton emphasizes reading and writing with an approach tailored to English learners.

Zaidee Stavely