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EXPLORE: California's Community Colleges: At A CrossroadsQuick Guides
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.
Commentary
June 1, 2021

Make good on California’s commitment to equity — fund computer science classrooms

Almost two-thirds of California high schools lack computer science courses and schools serving predominantly low-income students are four times less likely to offer advanced placement computer science courses.

Julie Flapan and Allison Scott
Math and Science
May 20, 2021

California math curriculum spurs new controversy about accelerated learning

Voluntary guidance for math instruction faces criticism from parents saying it stunts potential for students in advanced math pathways.

Sydney Johnson
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
Math and Science
February 19, 2021

California students watch and learn through hands-on projects as Mars rover lands

Teachers have crafted weeks and even months-long lessons culminating with the historic Mars rover landing on Feb. 18.

Sydney Johnson
Early Learning
January 19, 2021

How one California preschool program is helping youngest learners with math

A state-funded program is designing strategies for families to keep kids learning at home even when in-person preschool is canceled.

Sydney Johnson
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
Math and Science
December 15, 2020

One more challenge for California teachers in distance learning: All new science curriculum

School districts like West Contra Costa Unified lacked updated learning materials aligned to California’s new science standards prior to the current school year.

Sydney Johnson
Math and Science
December 11, 2020

How one California school district is moving forward with math in the pandemic

Math learning experts are pushing for grade-level content over remediation during the pandemic.

Sydney Johnson
Math and Science
November 24, 2020

With classrooms closed, scientists take over virtual STEM lessons in LA Unified

As California faces another coronavirus surge, scientists and museum guides are taking to Zoom to meet students at home.

Sydney Johnson
Commentary
November 10, 2020

Looking beyond STEM to prepare for meaningful human work

Skills and knowledge matter, but workers must be able to apply them to solve problems in rapidly shifting work environments.

Jamie Merisotis
Math and Science
November 9, 2020

University of California expands list of courses that meet math requirement for admission

The decision comes after CSU delayed a vote to add a quantitative reasoning course — in addition to 3 years of math — as an admission requirement.

Sydney Johnson
Math and Science
July 6, 2020

California districts attempt to revive outdoor education programs slashed during the pandemic

In California, leaders of 37% of outdoor education programs said they will remain closed due to lack of financing after the coronavirus pandemic.

Sydney Johnson
Math and Science
June 10, 2020

California science teachers look for new ways to bring hands-on experiments to students

While some families are doing science projects at home, teachers say a lack of supplies makes it difficult to assign hands-on experiments.

Sydney Johnson
Coronavirus
April 9, 2020

Don’t cancel summer internships, California STEM education advocates caution

Some companies are cancelling summer internships altogether amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sydney Johnson
Math and Science
March 3, 2020

California’s largest district rolls out seal of approval for STEM schools

Los Angeles Unified is encouraging STEM schools to get a certificate indicating that the school meets high standards set by the district.

Sydney Johnson