EXPLORE: Podcast: Tim Shriver & social emotional learning2019 Smarter Balanced Test Scores5 Years, 7 Districts
Curriculum
Topic

Math and Science

California is in the midst of major reforms in the way math is taught based on the Common Core standards. It is also implementing new approaches to teaching science as a result of the state’s adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards. At the same time, the state faces a shortage of teachers in both math and science. How well students do in each of these major areas of the curriculum have long-range implications for California’s future.
October 18, 2019

How one high school's dispute reflects the struggle to teach California’s science standards 

California’s new science standards emphasize an approach that combines scientific disciplines.

Sydney Johnson
October 15, 2019

Full-day kindergarten, STEM seal, Laotian history are among Gov. Newsom’s final vetoes

Here are a half-dozen K-12 and early education bills that the governor vetoed or signed on the last day crunch — and why.

John Fensterwald
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
October 10, 2019

How did students at your child’s school do on Smarter Balanced tests?

Readers can access results for California’s Smarter Balanced tests taken by students in the spring in nearly 10,000 school statewide.

Diana Lambert
October 9, 2019

Slow growth, big disparities after 5 years of Smarter Balanced tests

Average scores have been rising in English language arts, but dropping in math as students progress through middle and high school — a cause for worry.

John Fensterwald And Daniel J. Willis
October 8, 2019

Teachers and students push for climate change education in California

Dozens of districts across the state have adopted policies and resolutions targeting climate change.

Sydney Johnson
September 26, 2019

More math adds up to more Long Beach high school students eligible for college

Some warn that it will be difficult for other districts to increase math graduation requirements due to budget and staffing constraints.

Sydney Johnson
September 25, 2019

Push to require more high school math in California would exempt some students

CSU has also pledged $10 million to train more math and science teachers, but skeptics question whether that investment will be sufficient.

Michael Burke
September 20, 2019

California students join global strike demanding action on climate change

Thousands of youth-led protests took place on Friday leading up to the United Nations Climate Action Summit next week.

Sydney Johnson
September 11, 2019

California students could soon get a Seal of STEM on their diplomas

Some schools may not yet have enough math and science courses to offer a State Seal of STEM.

Sydney Johnson
August 30, 2019

Critics urge CSU to drop or delay plan to require extra year of high school math

Opponents say the requirement would harm black and Latino students. Supporters say it would prepare students for college math courses.

Michael Burke
August 26, 2019

California science teachers offer more input on new classroom materials

A new rubric for science textbooks aims to help teachers understand the state standards while picking out new materials.

Sydney Johnson
August 20, 2019

Amid tensions statewide, an embattled California charter school's quest ends badly

Promise Academy had a partnership with the Tech Museum; its fight with San Jose Unified mirrors conflicts statewide over charter schools.

John Fensterwald
August 12, 2019

Nationwide project provides free science materials to meet California’s new standards

The materials are not on the state’s list of approved science programs, which many districts will turn to as they begin their curriculum adoption process.

Sydney Johnson
August 1, 2019

California State University adds $10 million to boost math and science teacher preparation in California

Added funding will help recruit and provide financial support for students, as well as create new credential pathways.

Sydney Johnson