California K-12 Education - CalMatters

Aevin Lee, 2, received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in the arms of his mother, Dr. Jennifer Su, at Children's Hospital Los Angeles on June 21, 2022. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

CDC paves way for California to require school COVID vaccines — but lawmakers have given up for now

by Elizabeth Aguilera October 26, 2022October 27, 2022

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control decided to list COVID-19 among the vaccines it recommends for children, but each state decides whether to adopt those guidelines. It’s unclear what California will do, given the past controversies over children’s vaccines and the COVID vaccine in particular.

State test results show California students overall performed much worse in math and English language arts than pre-pandemic, but a persistent achievement gap didn't worsen, as initially feared. Photo Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California student test scores plunge — but some achievement gaps narrow. See how your school compares.

by Joe Hong and Erica Yee October 24, 2022October 24, 2022

California is bracing for declines as state officials release student test scores for the first time since the pandemic. Photo by David Rodriguez for The Californian/CatchLight Local

Amid ominous signs, California releases first student test scores since the pandemic

by Joe Hong October 24, 2022October 24, 2022

Students at a classroom at St. HOPE’s Public School 7 Elementary in Sacramento on May 11, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Recent cyberattacks highlight the vulnerability of California schools

by Joe Hong October 12, 2022October 12, 2022

Gauge Hernandez, 16, the son of Johnny Hernandez Jr., the vice chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, looks out window in San Bernardino on Sept. 27, 2022. Hernandez is part of a youth committee that is advocating for AB 1703, which will ensure that students have an opportunity to learn about factual historical events involving Native Americans in California. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Native American students hope a new education law helps reverse years of misinformation

by Joe Hong September 30, 2022September 29, 2022

Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Lance Christensen is interviewed at the CalMatters offices on Sept. 26, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

What would Lance Christensen do as California schools superintendent?

by Joe Hong September 30, 2022September 29, 2022

State test results show California students overall performed much worse in math and English language arts than pre-pandemic, but a persistent achievement gap didn't worsen, as initially feared. Students at a classroom at St. HOPE’s Public School 7 Elementary in Sacramento on May 11, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Problems plague California school district data system, putting funding at risk

by Joe Hong September 13, 2022September 13, 2022

Sonja Shaw is running for a seat on the Chino Valley School Board in the Inland Empire. “I’m running because I want to make sure that parents have a voice on the board, and to preserve the rights of a parent,” Shaw said. “During the shut down, parents were pushed out, and we have had enough—these are our children, our future.” August 14, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Back to school: California Republicans bet big on local board races

by Sameea Kamal August 17, 2022August 17, 2022

Students in a classroom in Sacramento. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Low-income students are more likely to be in classrooms with underqualified teachers

by Joe Hong and Erica Yee July 21, 2022July 20, 2022

Fight over mask mandate disrupts Nevada City student’s senior year

by Salgu Wissmath June 23, 2022June 23, 2022