Tony Thurmond - CalMatters

The Assembly floor at the state Capitol on June 1, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California Legislature beats deadline on key bills

by Lynn La June 2, 2023June 2, 2023

Today’s the deadline for bills to pass their first house in the California Legislature. The vast majority made it. A few failed. And a handful of intriguing bills that didn’t pass may resurface because their authors aren’t giving up. Police dogs: On Wednesday, a bill that would curb the use of police dogs failed to […]

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, 2022May 2, 2023

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

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

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announces the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the California Department of Justice at a press event in San Francisco on Sept. 21, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Three state officers face policy pitfalls

by Emily Hoeven September 27, 2022September 27, 2022

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond speaks outside of Enrique S. Camarena Elementary School in Chula Vista on July 21, 2021. Photo by Denis Poroy, AP Photo

What has Tony Thurmond done as California schools chief?

by Joe Hong June 3, 2022June 2, 2022

Amanda Arellano, 17, is pictured at a park near her home in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2022. Amanda said she believes schools need to focus more are helping students with mental health struggles that have been caused by the pandemic. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

California confronts youth mental health crisis

by Emily Hoeven March 17, 2022March 17, 2022

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Pushing California schools to help at-risk kids

by Dan Walters June 22, 2021June 21, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic led to an unprecedented drop in public school enrollment in California. Image via iStock

Public school enrollment hits 20-year low: Biggest dip in youngest grades

by Emily Hoeven April 23, 2021April 23, 2021

California politicians owe $2 million in campaign fines, don’t get punished

by Laurel Rosenhall April 14, 2021August 13, 2021