September 17, 2019

Removing lead from water would be priority in proposed school construction bond

$150 million for testing, remediation would remove lead in schools statewide but based on a standard that pediatricians say is still hazardous.

John Fensterwald

September 16, 2019

California’s widely criticized ethnic studies plan to be revised

Critics said the original proposal was politically biased and omitted the American experiences of some ethnic and religious groups.

Diana Lambert

September 16, 2019

Full-day kindergarten could soon be required in every California school

If the bill is approved, California will join 14 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring districts to offer full-day kindergarten.

Zaidee Stavely

September 14, 2019

State Legislature approves later start times for California middle, high school students

Author won support to set middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Theresa Harrington

September 13, 2019

With shout-out to teachers, Democratic candidates talk about schools in Houston

In a shift from an era when teachers were blamed for students' failures, several candidates express support for teachers.

Louis Freedberg

September 12, 2019

Oakland school board’s vote to close schools draws ire from parents, teachers

Board agrees to close two schools and merge them with two others, expand another school, and invest in redesigning an elementary school.

Theresa Harrington

September 11, 2019

Gov. Newsom, lawmakers strike deal on $15 billion education construction bond

The proposed bond on the March 2020 ballot will include money for K-12 districts, including preschool, community colleges, UC and CSU.

John Fensterwald

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

September 10, 2019

California’s charter schools soon to enter an uneasy era

School districts will be able to cite an adverse fiscal impact to deny a charter school application, but not without making a strong case.

John Fensterwald

September 9, 2019

California to extend ban on pushing students out of school for disruptive behavior

Gov. Newsom signed legislation that will ban out-of-school suspensions for disruptive behavior and willful defiance after next July.

Louis Freedberg

September 9, 2019

Gov. Newsom must decide whether to expand ban on student suspensions for 'willful defiance'

Suspensions for willful defiance have declined sharply in recent years, but Sen. Nancy Skinner says more state action is needed.

Louis Freedberg

September 6, 2019

New California vaccine legislation gains Gov. Newsom’s approval after deal reached

California Governor Gavin Newsom agreed to sign legislation that tightens restrictions on medical exemptions that allow students to attend school without all the required vaccinations if lawmakers promise to pass revisions in a second bill.

Diana Lambert

September 6, 2019

Teachers could get paid maternity leave if governor agrees

If the governor signs the bill into law, teachers would receive at least six weeks of paid maternity leave.

Diana Lambert

September 6, 2019

Q&A with Michael Kirst: Single rating for schools ‘just too simplistic’

Former State Board of Education president says that there is strong support in California for the California School Dashboard.

Louis Freedberg

September 6, 2019

Gov. Newsom, lawmakers still negotiating K-14 construction bond

State officials have called for giving property-poor districts a bigger share of state funding.

John Fensterwald