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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.
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
July 31, 2019

At a summer program where community comes first, STEM education thrives

From residential life to calculus, relationship-building comes first in this STEM summer program.

Sydney Johnson
July 26, 2019

Science gets hands on in summer STEM programs, but funding challenges remain

Many programs struggle to keep up with operational costs, potentially limiting access to STEM offered outside of school hours. 

Sydney Johnson
July 23, 2019

Plan to expose all students to physics missing one element — teachers

As California schools move to implement new science standards, there will be an increased demand for teachers in a subject area where there is already a severe shortage.

Diana Lambert
July 11, 2019

10 California districts struggle, and find some success, as they shift to Common Core math

Studies of the Math in Common project offer lessons for other districts and a warning: Steady progress takes a long-term commitment.

John Fensterwald
July 2, 2019

As California seeks to add more computer science courses, teachers are answering the call

A new Computer Science Hub launching this summer aims to help prepare teachers around the state to lead computer science classes.

Sydney Johnson
June 28, 2019

Where to start? Inside one California district’s approach to redesign STEM education

New preK-12 curriculum in the Tracy Unified School District will integrate math, science, engineering, computer science and English language arts.

Sydney Johnson
June 17, 2019

Study: More than half of California high schools lack computer science courses

Students of color, rural students and low-income students are among the least likely to have access to computer science courses.

Sydney Johnson
May 14, 2019

State budget proposal would fund computer science coordinator, broadband expansion

Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing $15 million to expand broadband internet to more schools and an additional $1 million to hire a state computer science coordinator as a “down payment” on a comprehensive plan to provide access to computer science classes to all California students.

Diana Lambert
May 8, 2019

California moves to get more K-12 students into computer science classes

More California K-12 students at all grade levels could have access to computer science classes if schools implement a plan unanimously approved by the State Board of Education Wednesday.

Diana Lambert
April 10, 2019

A 4th year of high school math for CSU admissions? Just the idea triggers debate

A fourth course of high school math could be calculus, computer science, statistics, business math to fill possible extra CSU entrance requirement.

Larry Gordon
April 9, 2019

California students learn to code to prepare for tomorrow's jobs

Thousands of students at 260 schools in low-income California communities are learning computer coding after school in the Kids Code program. A school’s eligibility for the grant was based on the number of students receiving free and reduced-priced lunch, used as an indicator of community poverty.

Diana Lambert
February 18, 2019

California students may not be ready for new science test

Although students will begin taking the California Science Test in March, most school districts have yet to approve textbooks or materials aligned to the new standards adopted six years ago by the State Board of Education. Still, federal law is requiring California to begin testing this year.

Diana Lambert