June 15, 2022

Students in personalized learning schools deserve equitable funding

Personalized learning offers an alternative to students who don't thrive in traditional classroom settings. These public schools need the same protections against the financial disruptions of pandemic-related enrollment declines as other California schools.

Jeff Rice

June 14, 2022

It's time for win-win district and charter relationships to address declining enrollment   

Educating children shouldn’t be a Machiavellian zero-sum game.

Janie Dam

June 10, 2022

How an East Bay school turns into a community school under California's model

Hundreds of campuses are slated to become community schools over the next five years; Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration urges more funding to meet the demand

Ali Tadayon

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 

May 19, 2022

Updated state computer system frustrates districts during student testing period

Rollout of CALPADS update with glitches coincides with Smarter Balanced testing, compounding problems; state Department of Education promises fixes.

John Fensterwald

May 18, 2022

California must consider rural districts' unique realities for community schools grants

Innovative program that allowed rural districts to collaborate to create and expand community school programs runs into a surprising roadblock.

Julie Boesch and Tim Taylor

May 12, 2022

California set to launch hundreds of community schools with $635 million in grants

The state's "whole child" model stresses collaborating with parents, teachers and community organizations; 265 districts are to receive initial funding.

John Fensterwald

May 2, 2022

Growing suburban Sacramento school districts spared state's declining enrollment

New housing construction in suburbs around Sacramento have saved some school districts in the region from the belt-tightening that comes with declining student enrollment. 

Diana Lambert

April 29, 2022

Senate, Assembly agree California schools should receive billions more in unrestricted funding

Districts complain COLA isn't enough to cover their costs and needs; Gov. Newsom to release revised budget, revenue projections by May 15.

John Fensterwald

April 25, 2022

A new chapter for charter schools in California as enrollment drops for first time in 3 decades

With California charter school enrollment declining for the first time in three decades, operators and funders look to new areas of the state for future growth.

John Fensterwald

March 21, 2022

We must focus on equity as California tackles declining enrollment

As California policymakers grapple with the fiscal implications of declining school enrollment, they must seize the opportunity to address equity.

Robert Manwaring

March 6, 2022

Every school can, and should, be a community school

Nearly $3 billion in grants from the California Community Schools Partnership Program provide a unique opportunity for schools to work with families and communities to turn their school into a vibrant community school.

Hayin Kimner and Martin J. Blank

February 8, 2022

California offers graduation honor to encourage active civic engagement

Students can earn a Seal of Civic Engagement if they learn how to research issues and effect change by getting involved in community issues.

John Fensterwald

February 7, 2022

Community schools can reinvigorate learning after Covid — if done right

California’s investment in community schools has the potential to transform student experiences if it can foster the coherence that districts and schools need to flourish.

Joel Knudson and Jennifer O’Day

February 1, 2022

The late state Sen. Gary Hart's legacy looms large on California education

Former state Sen. Gary Hart, who died last week at 78, authored bills allowing charter schools in California, creating a statewide student assessment and a minimum school year.

John Fensterwald