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Literacy

Standardized tests continue to show that a majority of California students perform below grade level in measures of reading and literacy. The issue of literacy is also often woven into other concerns about student performance and proficiency.
January 30, 2019

California schools help unaccompanied immigrant students combat trauma, language barriers

Unaccompanied immigrant students face a daunting set of obstacles to finish high school. Many students have survived severe trauma in their home countries or missed years of school.

Zaidee Stavely
August 15, 2018

California gets high grade in measuring teachers’ reading instruction skills

Linda Darling-Hammond, chair of teacher credentialing commission, calls the state assessment out of date and not a good predictor of classroom performance.

John Fensterwald
August 9, 2018

Baby and toddler storytime can create a lifetime love of reading

Local libraries help parents to learn early literacy skills through storytime. Children's librarians say storytime is one of the best ways to cultivate a young child's interest in books and encourage lifelong reading.

Ashley Hopkinson
June 6, 2018

Gavin Newsom knows what it is like to struggle with reading

The likely future governor of California opens a window to the painful world of dyslexia experienced by millions of children and adults.

Louis Freedberg
January 4, 2018

A focus on writing in every class is key to success in this rural California district

Culture shift included schoolwide writing, comprehensive teacher training, teambuilding, new classes, and stressing importance of standardized tests.

Theresa Harrington
August 25, 2017

Understanding the Common Core State Standards in California: A quick guide

California remains strongly committed to Common Core standards in math and English language arts, which focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. The standards have been adopted by more than 40 states.

Theresa Harrington
August 24, 2017

Q & A : Common Core teacher shares insights in blog, workshops

Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez, a teacher in the Los Angeles area, discusses Common Core lessons, teacher collaboration, testing and educating English learners.

Theresa Harrington
July 14, 2017

Summer science, math and reading resources for families

Project Lead the Way, the California Mathematics Council and Storyline Online provide ideas for activities parents and children can do together.

Theresa Harrington
June 25, 2017

In California push to help students with dyslexia, LA schools take a first step

Parents described the nightmare of a child who is unable to learn to read and the need for schools to provide services to address dyslexia.

Jane Meredith Adams
February 9, 2017

A push to get books, not tech, into the hands of young readers

A national nonprofit visits Oakland to distribute free books to elementary students.

Carolyn Jones
August 18, 2016

Former English learner spearheads new system for tracking students

Liz Serrato doesn't want English learners to fall through the cracks.

Theresa Harrington
August 2, 2016

Teachers share challenges and solutions at statewide summit

More than 13,000 teachers participated in the second annual event.

Theresa Harrington
July 5, 2016

New teaching strategies are designed to help English learners succeed

The project aims to build students' language skills in all classes.

Theresa Harrington
April 3, 2016

To reach parents, schools try universal language of data

The program uses parent-teacher teams to share information.

Jane Meredith Adams
November 2, 2015

California adopts materials for new English learner approach

Shift in curriculum and instructional materials aims to help English learners.

Theresa Harrington