February 24, 2021

California moves ahead to pursue flexibility waivers for standardized tests this year

The state board will consider if districts can use locally selected tests where Smarter Balanced assessments are not feasible.

Sydney Johnson

February 23, 2021

Rising tensions, heated words add pressure to reach a deal soon on reopening California schools

Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Phil Ting says school districts’ criticism of a proposed deal shows they want money but no accountability.

John Fensterwald

February 23, 2021

California lawmakers propose Cal Grant reforms to help low-income students

Lawmakers have introduced legislation to make it easier for low-income students to access Cal Grants by changing eligibility standards.

Michael Burke

February 22, 2021

In his own words: Dr. Fauci on the complexities of school reopening and vaccinations

Asked whether he would be comfortable going into a classroom and teaching, Fauci says “It’s tough because I’ve not been in that situation.”

EdSource staff

February 20, 2021

Will reserving vaccines for California teachers break school reopening logjam?

Newsom’s plan to reserve 10% of vaccines for teachers could lead to more schools reopening, but it could take too long to satisfy many parents if teachers insist on being fully immunized before returning

Louis Freedberg

February 19, 2021

California accountability data masks English learner progress, report says

California’s school accountability tool makes it too easy for districts to receive high scores for English learners’ progress, advocates say.

Zaidee Stavely And Betty Márquez Rosales

February 19, 2021

California legislators issue their conditions for reopening schools — without governor’s backing

Lawmakers would offer $2 billion to bring back elementary school students after April 15; Newsom favors a speedier timetable.

John Fensterwald

February 18, 2021

Long Beach Unified is largest school district in California to announce reopening plans

School staff will get both vaccines before facing children, and staff and students will be required to take asymptomatic tests weekly.

Louis Freedberg

February 18, 2021

How will expanded transitional kindergarten roll out?

Early childhood advocates applaud any increase in access to early education, which many see as critical to closing achievement gaps.

Karen D'Souza

February 18, 2021

Gov. Newsom's proposed cost of living increases could stave off cuts for some school districts

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s K-12 education budget proposal includes a cost of living adjustment that allows some districts to avoid cuts next year.

Ali Tadayon

February 16, 2021

Federal guidelines for school reopening are less rigorous than state’s on several key measures

State and federal guidelines are similar in many respects, but California is stricter on when Covid rates permit schools to reopen.

John Fensterwald

February 16, 2021

California needs 'common application' for its public college and universities, higher ed panel urges

Panel convened by Newsom administration presents post-pandemic roadmap for higher education, including streamlining admissions and transfer process.

Louis Freedberg And Ashley A. Smith

February 16, 2021

Quick Guide: What California’s color-coded county tracking system means for schools

All but four of California's counties are in the purple tier as of Jan. 26, 2021.

Ali Tadayon

February 12, 2021

Talks slow, no word yet from Newsom and top lawmakers on deal to reopen schools

Disagreements over vaccinations and extensive Covid testing appear among issues yet to be resolved for elementary students to return to class.

John Fensterwald

February 12, 2021

California teacher credentialing requirements continue to be eased during pandemic

A waiver that allows teacher candidates to teach while completing required exams and courses is the latest action to ease teaching requirements.

Diana Lambert