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Race and Equity

Nationwide protests for racial justice have resulted in calls for the removal of police from school campuses and greater attention to education equity and closing achievement gaps. This section includes articles and commentaries that explore questions of equity and race in California’s public schools.

Black Student Success
January 24, 2023

Critics say Newsom's proposal for low-performing students fails most Black students

Black leaders are criticizing a compromise plan by Gov. Newsom as not doing enough to help close the achievement gap of Black students.

Emma Gallegos, John Fensterwald, And Daniel J. Willis
Coronavirus
December 1, 2022

Political rancor has had chilling effect on public education, survey finds

Political divide in country has meant less classroom instruction on race and racism, more harassment of LGBTQ youth, according to nationwide survey of principals.

Diana Lambert
Elections and Education
October 13, 2022

Conservatives are waging a war for control over California school boards

The California Republican Party, churches and other conservative organizations hope to ride a wave of parent discontent to victories in school board races across the state.

Diana Lambert
Commentary
October 5, 2022

We can do more to provide high-quality education to students in juvenile detention

High-quality educational services are a critical component of redirecting youth toward a path of productive academic and social outcomes.

 Angela James and Debra Duardo
Commentary
September 20, 2022

Let's help struggling students rather than benefiting textbook publishers

California can lead the way for millions of students by making college course materials free.

Gary K. Michelson and Michelle Pilati 
East Bay Schools
September 19, 2022

An island of reading for youth in the California juvenile justice system

A partnership between Alameda County's library, office of education, and probation department has led to a colorful, culturally inclusive library inside the county juvenile hall staffed with permanent staff who try to teach youth a love of reading and learning.

Betty Márquez Rosales
Black Student Success
September 12, 2022

Fresno Unified invests in partnerships with HBCUs

A first-of-its-kind dual enrollment program in California’s third-largest school district will guarantee admission to a historically Black college, giving students in the Central Valley a pathway to experience an HBCU. Plus, could Fresno be the site of California's first HBCU?

Ashleigh Panoo
Commentary
September 5, 2022

We need a bigger, broader village to support our Black and Latino students

With a sustained, communitywide effort, LAUSD can make a lasting impact on the kids hit hardest by the pandemic and rising inflation.

Ana Ponce
Commentary
August 19, 2022

Black students deserve extra funding; this bill would provide it

Assembly Bill 2774 will ensure the lowest performing students are prioritized the same as the other high-needs student groups in the state's funding formula, providing schools with targeted funding to help better support Black students.

Debra Watkins
Math and Science
July 29, 2022

Despite divisions, math framework must be a 'North Star,' experts say

EdSource roundtable focuses on the details and controversy surrounding state's proposed new math guidelines.

Carolyn Jones
Math and Science
July 26, 2022

Deep divisions, further delay for California’s math guidelines

Detractors and supporters disagree on whether teaching standards through “big ideas” and creating new high school pathways will achieve more equitable outcomes for all students.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
July 13, 2022

Why intergroup dialogue should be part of every K-12 school

Schools should be creating spaces for sustained, thoughtful intergroup dialog because school should be about learning about people, not just subjects.

Kiana Foxx and Ashton Pemberton
Black Student Success
June 8, 2022

New teaching residency at CSUB targets Black student success

A new teaching residency in California targets Black student success.

Emma Gallegos
Ethnic Studies
June 1, 2022

Debate turns hot over UC proposal to set criteria for high school ethnic studies

UC board that sets high school admissions requirements rejects draft ethnic studies guidelines viewed as ideological and divisive; drafters vow to fight on.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
May 23, 2022

Let's advance racial justice through community schools 

Through shared power and decision-making, students, families, community, and educators can co-create relationship-centered schools and lay the foundation for an education system built by and for us all.

Tere Flores and Carl Pinkston