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Student Well-Being

What sets the stage for student learning? EdSource reports on major school reform initiatives rooted in improving the physical, emotional and behavioral health of children and teens. Strategies include social and emotional skill-building, trauma-informed teaching and school-based health centers. The goal: Attendance improves, discipline referrals fall, teen pregnancy rates drop and engagement in learning increases.
Homeless Youth
June 1, 2023

Amid pockets of rising student homelessness, California districts tap Covid funding to help families

Pandemic-era funding has helped school staff identify and support more homeless students, but its expiration is looming. Staff are afraid of how this loss will impact students.

Betty Márquez Rosales, Emma Gallegos, And Daniel J. Willis
Commentary
May 28, 2023

We must continue to improve the quality of school nutrition in California

California would be the first state in the nation to adopt a firm, science-based standard governing the amount of added sugar and salt allowed in school meals. State leaders can ensure that every student has the fresh, nutrient-dense food they need to thrive by passing Senate Bill 348.

Erin Primer and Lena AlSarraf
Commentary
May 23, 2023

California must invest in more diverse school administrators

Research shows that students in California, especially students of color, experience better educational outcomes in schools led by diverse leaders.

Michael Gebreslassie
Commentary
May 22, 2023

Without screening, dyslexia haunts students well into adulthood

California Legislature should support governor's proposal to require early testing for learning differences, an assessment most other states already use.

Sam Felsing
Student Well-Being
May 19, 2023

Fires, floods, shootings: How schools can help students thrive after traumatic events

School trauma experts explain the importance of preparation — and the risks of doing nothing

Carolyn Jones
Commentary
May 17, 2023

Let's break the stigma around sexual health for young people

Teens shouldn’t have to make tradeoffs between their health and other essentials that they may have to for pay out-of-pocket.

Sen. Caroline Menjivar and Ria Babaria
Commentary
May 16, 2023

The state of our planet is making us anxious; learning how to fix it can help

A proper education on climate change can empower youth to fight for the only home we have.

Kennesha Garg
Commentary
May 10, 2023

Schools must prioritize trans and nonbinary students’ need for support and privacy

Even one adult providing support to a trans or nonbinary student can make a lifesaving difference. When students can't find that support at home, teachers and counselors must help them feel safe and supported at school.

Megan Goebel and Jon Cummings
Commentary
May 1, 2023

Don't leave students with disabilities out of California's massive community schools investment

The needs of students with disabilities were not specifically considered in California's massive $4.1 billion allocation for a grant program to support the planning and implementation of community schools. These needs must not be ignored.

Hayin Kimner and Kristin Wright
Teacher Voices
April 26, 2023

California needs better support for students and teachers of color

Just one experience of being isolated is enough for me to contemplate leaving the classroom. We need to do more to ensure teachers of color are coming into and staying in the classroom.

Allison Zamora
Legislation
April 21, 2023

Battle over transgender student privacy isn't over, bill's author says

School boards taking up the issue of whether teachers should inform parents if a child identifies as transgender

Carolyn Jones
Race and Equity
April 20, 2023

National wave of anti-CRT measures trickles into California schools

California has not passed any state legislation limiting the teaching of race and racism during the last two years, but six school districts have. 

Diana Lambert
Commentary
April 18, 2023

California needs to do much more to support its advanced learners

The academic needs of gifted children should be as much a priority as those of any other child. Yet California does not identify gifted children in the critical early grades, let alone require programming for them.

Victoria McDougald
Commentary
April 18, 2023

Disparities in 'unexcused' absences deepen education inequities

Many school absences labeled 'unexcused' are for reasons not in the student's or family's control — yet they can have serious consequences for students. We can do better.

Hedy Chang, Clea McNeely and Kevin Gee
Federal Education Policy
April 18, 2023

Who's on the team: A guide to the latest federal actions about transgender athletes

Title IX guidelines support transgender students' right to play on the team that matches their gender identity.

Carolyn Jones