Topic

Teacher Effectiveness

The emerging shortage of teachers in a growing number of districts and subject areas has cast a cold light on the numerous challenges facing the teaching profession. These include salaries that are much lower than those in jobs or professions that require as much or less academic preparation, an expectation that teachers can mitigate the impact of income levels and neighborhood conditions on academic performance, and the dwindling amount to time teachers have for professional learning and collaboration with other teachers. EdSource examines these challenges — and what can be done to overcome them.

April 2, 2020

California school unions, district leaders pledge to cooperate on coronavirus challenges

It’s unclear whether the California Department of Education plans to issue guidance on issues such as how long a school day should be and whether the content should be enrichment or course completion.

John Fensterwald

March 31, 2020

I’m here for my students, despite the distance

Coronavirus creates need, opportunity for teachers to focus on social-emotional support for their students.

Meghann Seril

March 12, 2020

The state should revise the reading instruction test for teachers

The RICA is outdated and discourages talented teachers, says long-time educator.

Tina Costantino-Lane

March 10, 2020

Reinventing a California school under the threat of teacher layoffs

Stege Elementary in Richmond was primed to reinvent itself from one of California's lowest performing schools to one that helped its black and Latino students achieve academically. Instead, the school faces teacher layoffs.

Ashley A. Smith

March 5, 2020

California K-12 schools prepare for coronavirus-related closures

Experts say lack of child care, limited access to internet and computers for some, and teacher training would hinder online learning for many schools.

Sydney Johnson

March 4, 2020

Vote still out on three measures to build California teacher housing

East Side Union High, Chula Vista Elementary and Soledad Unified school districts had votes short of 55 percent needed to claim victory. Mail-in and final votes being counted.

Diana Lambert

March 3, 2020

California’s largest district rolls out seal of approval for STEM schools

Los Angeles Unified is encouraging STEM schools to get a certificate indicating that the school meets high standards set by the district.

Sydney Johnson

February 28, 2020

Four California school districts ask voters to pay for teacher and staff housing

On March 3 four California school districts will ask California voters to tax themselves to pay for teacher housing through a general obligation bond.

Diana Lambert

February 27, 2020

West Contra Costa Unified school board votes to lay off up to 300 workers in June

Teachers to receive layoff notices next week, but district hopes to rescind many by negotiating other cost-cutting solutions with unions.

Theresa Harrington

February 18, 2020

Gov. Newsom’s big bets: community schools, competitive grants and new teacher incentives

The governor proposes $1.5 billion over 5 years on incentives for new teachers and grants managed by a small agency to fix highest poverty schools.

John Fensterwald

February 12, 2020

How funds for Gov. Newsom's ambitious proposals for teacher recruitment and preparation will be spent

Budget proposes incentives, recruitment programs and training to fill needed teaching positions.

Diana Lambert

February 11, 2020

College costs, teacher shortage still top concerns in poll of California voters

Annual PACE/USC Rossier poll also finds support for increasing teacher pay, requiring ethnic studies and taking action to prevent gun violence.

John Fensterwald

February 7, 2020

Less than a third of California students met or exceeded standards on new science test

The results are the first set of scores for a new test aligned with California’s new science standards.

Sydney Johnson

February 6, 2020

San Francisco Bay Area district could lay off 250 teachers

West Contra Costa Unified is eyeing to cut $32 million from next year's budget including teaching jobs. Layoff notices will go out by March 15.

Theresa Harrington

January 29, 2020

CSU trustees delay decision to require extra high school class for admission

An independent group will be commissioned to study CSU's proposal to require a fourth year of high school math in freshman admissions.