EXPLORE: How Prop. 15 would increase K-12 districts' fundingCoronavirus updatesQuick 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.
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The test is outdated and there is no evidence that it contributes to more effective instruction.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 Wellbeing
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
Literacy
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
The Common Core Challenge
August 25, 2017

Quick Guide: Understanding the Common Core State Standards in California

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