March 8, 2018

Special education funding is a morass; straightening it out may not be cheap or easy

Lawmakers take the first step: discussing the growing needs and disparities in funding.

John Fensterwald

February 14, 2018

With support instead of punishment, a California school district works to improve special education 

County offices of education are working with districts identified for "differentiated assistance" due to poor performance by student subgroups.

Theresa Harrington

January 18, 2018

California lags behind most states in providing timely services to infants and toddlers

A new report recommends the state combine services under one agency to increase equity and reduce delays.

Ashley Hopkinson

December 12, 2017

Big changes in requirements to become a special education teacher in California

Special education teachers will again be qualified to teach in general education classrooms.

John Fensterwald

December 7, 2017

The urgent need for a system of support for California schools

In particular, says Carl Cohn, there is a "moral imperative" for California to take on the challenge of more effectively serving students with disabilities

Carl Cohn

December 7, 2017

One in 4 California school districts required to get county help based on new state performance data

The updated California School Dashboard provides extensive data on schools, districts and a dozen student groups.

John Fensterwald

August 20, 2017

Dyslexia, once the reading disability that shall not be named, comes into its own in California

New California Dyslexia Guidelines are meant to improve how reading is taught to all students by all teachers, not just reading specialists.

Jane Meredith Adams

July 4, 2017

Oakland expands computer game math program used by 1 million students in California and nationwide

Oakland joins districts in California and across the country that see improvements in math proficiency among students who work with ST Math

Theresa Harrington

June 25, 2017

In California push to help students with dyslexia, LA schools take a first step

Parents described the nightmare of a child who is unable to learn to read and the need for schools to provide services to address dyslexia.

Jane Meredith Adams

March 23, 2017

Parents strongly object to report calling for local funding of special education

They fear districts wouldn't spend sufficiently on services for their children with disabilities.

John Fensterwald

March 19, 2017

Two-decade old legal battle over special education oversight nears resolution, brings major changes 

The California Department of Education said it would end its legal challenges and follow a “corrective action plan” for special education monitoring issued in 2014 by the U.S. District Court of Northern California in San Francisco.

Jane Meredith Adams

January 18, 2017

U.S. Education Department rejects California’s science testing plans

The U.S. Department of Education has rejected California’s request to begin administering online tests this spring based on new science standards.

Pat Maio

December 8, 2016

California schools seek to increase understanding of special education students with 'Inclusive Schools Week'

San Francisco and Los Angeles unified districts among those organizing activities to engage students in communication.

Ashley Hopkinson

September 26, 2016

Physical fitness central to Sacramento district's focus on the 'whole child'

Superintendent emphasizes the importance of health.

Michael Collier

September 1, 2016

Counties turn to 'transition specialists' to help students in court schools succeed

A voter-approved state sentencing law has cut the time students spend in court schools.

Michael Collier