education

A small group of people stand facing each other in pairs of two as they participate in an interactive conversational exercise in an outdoor area of a college campus.

College Beat

Immigrants learn English for free at California colleges. Under Trump, some are skipping class

California's ESL courses gained 30,000 students over the past six years. As the Trump administration revokes student visas and escalates immigration raids, that growth is at risk.

By

Delilah Brumer

• May 20, 2025

A young graduate stands in front of a home wearing a colorful stole that reads "Class of 2025" and holds ceremonial feathers in both hands. The stole features bright stripes in red, blue, green, and yellow, symbolizing Native American heritage. Warm evening light casts soft shadows across the house behind him.

K-12 Education

California lets students wear tribal regalia at graduations. Why it’s still controversial

Many school districts require students to undergo a lengthy process if they want to wear tribal or other cultural regalia at graduation. A new bill would eliminate those obstacles.

By

Carolyn Jones

• May 16, 2025

A person stands before a group of children sitting at desks inside a classroom with brightly colored decorations. The person has their arm raised while several children can be seen with their arms raised to ask questions.

K-12 Education

Can middle schoolers handle college? This San Jose school is finding out

The San Jose Evergreen Community College District offers a course at a local middle school, and plans to offer more in the future. The college faculty union worries that the students are too young.

By

Adam Echelman

• May 14, 2025

Commentary

California school districts treat pregnancy like an illness. Why maternity leave for teachers is overdue

California's teachers and school employees receive zero paid pregnancy or maternity leave. The current system essentially penalizes them for having children.

By Erika Jones • May 13, 2025

A student wearing a pink backpack walks down a hallway lined with several rows of orange lockers at a high school. Several colorful portrait paintings are displayed on the walls.

Mental Health

California promised to boost mental health in schools. Why one key program is behind schedule

Only 14 school districts and county offices of education have begun billing for behavioral health services under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, according to state health officials.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• May 8, 2025

A person with medium-length locs sits peacefully on a large mossy rock in a grassy, wooded area. They wear a light gray sweater and a patterned skirt, with jewelry including turquoise earrings and a pendant necklace. Trees and wildflowers fill the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Mental Health

Many Californians can’t get mental health help. Is it too hard to become a therapist?

Despite efforts to increase the number of mental health providers, many students say the training requirements are onerous and costly.

By

Adam Echelman

• May 7, 2025

A close-up of a student holding an open book at a classroom desk, with other students reading in the background. Some students wear face masks, and the classroom walls are decorated in bright colors. Books and school supplies are scattered across the desks.

K-12 Education

The ‘science of reading’ won’t be required in California schools, at least for now

The original proposal would have mandated phonics instruction in K-12 classrooms. The latest version makes that optional.

By

Carolyn Jones

• April 30, 2025

A group of people participate in a demonstration outdoors, holding signs in support of transgender rights. One sign reads "Protect Trans Kids," while another states "Trans People Have Always Been Here!" A person with red hair, wearing a denim jacket and a face mask, raises an arm while holding a sign that says "Let All Kids Play." Others in the crowd wear pink bandanas and buttons, standing among trees with autumn-colored leaves. The late afternoon sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene.

California Divide

Another California school board takes aim at transgender athletes

Redlands Unified school board can't legally ban transgender athletes, but a majority of its board voted for a resolution opposing them anyway.

By

Deborah Brennan

• April 30, 2025

Exterior of a building with large capital letters spelling “U.S. Department of Education.” The building features vertical windows and concrete panels, with sunlight casting deep shadows across the facade.

Higher Education

Fraud in California community colleges triggers call for Trump investigation

Following CalMatters reporting, California’s Republican representatives are calling for the U.S. Department of Education and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate how California’s community colleges are handling financial aid fraud.

By

Adam Echelman

• April 25, 2025

Two students play on a balancing board in the playground area of an elementary school. More students can be seen in the background playing in the jungle gym.

K-12 Education

After Trump’s crackdown on DEI in schools, judge rules he can’t cut off funding

California receives $2.4 billion in federal Title I money for low-income schools, about $1.3 billion for special education and $250 million for after-school programs, among other grants.

By

Carolyn Jones

• April 24, 2025