EXPLORE: California's Community Colleges: At A CrossroadsQuick Guides
Curriculum
Topic

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.
Commentary
July 21, 2021

Why reading at grade level shouldn't be our only goal

While other measures are important, the key questions most parents should ask are “Is my child growing as a reader?” and “Is my child developing a love of reading?”

Malbert Smith
Teacher Voices
June 29, 2021

Reading gain in the era of learning loss

Students can make impressive gains in reading even under difficult circumstances if guided and encouraged to think for themselves.

Mark Gozonsky
Expanded Learning
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
Coronavirus
May 10, 2021

Students, community organizations ask judge to order mental health services, internet access

The lawsuit argues top education officials must monitor districts to see that billions in Covid relief address students' pressing needs.

John Fensterwald
Testing and Accountability
January 14, 2021

California school officials push for standardized testing waiver amid Covid-19 spike

California education officials voted to shorten annual tests in math and reading after federal officials said waivers would not be available in 2021.

Sydney Johnson
English Learners
December 7, 2020

Preschoolers learning English need to be identified, supported, says California’s master plan

The plan for the first time calls for requiring preschool programs to identify and report the languages spoken by children enrolled.

Zaidee Stavely
English Learners
October 7, 2020

Teachers struggle to recreate language-rich classes for English learners online

Researchers say students learning English need more small groups and live instruction, so they can practice speaking and listening.

Zaidee Stavely
Literacy
February 21, 2020

Lawsuit settlement results in $50 million for reading programs in California schools

Funds will be shared by 75 elementary schools with the lowest reading scores.

Carolyn Jones
Testing and Accountability
December 3, 2019

U.S. math scores remain flat on international test of 15-year-olds

U.S. math scores have not budged significantly since 2003 on the worldwide assessment.

Sydney Johnson
Commentary
October 11, 2019

For better insights into California's new test results, look at achievement over time

Analytical tools that are available but not used can help schools better understand how to improve student performance.

David Wakelyn
Commentary
July 15, 2019

We need more relevant curriculum in our schools

Students do better in school when they feel connected to what they are learning, teacher says.

Daniel Helena
Teachers
May 23, 2019

California considers overhauling test of reading instruction for teachers in training

The test is outdated and there is no evidence that it contributes to more effective instruction.

Diana Lambert
March 27, 2019

In this California classroom, students teach each other their home languages — and learn acceptance

In a district with an increasing number of students from various countries, this Oakland teacher wants to foster communication.

Zaidee Stavely
March 19, 2019

New training for California preschool teachers to help bilingual children prepare for kindergarten

The trainings teach preschool teachers how to help children learn English and keep their home languages, so they can be more successful in kindergarten and beyond.

Zaidee Stavely
Student Well-Being
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