education

A child, wearing a white, black and pink pattern dress, jumps in the air at a playground at a park. Other children swing on swing sets in the background while other people walk by.

Commentary

For California kids with disabilities, playgrounds reinforce exclusion. We can change that

Californians must demand designs that welcome all children. A playground designed for everyone isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential.

By Tilly Griffiths • March 3, 2025

A person wearing a green long-sleeve blouse, a brown buckle belt and blue jeans leans forward as they insert a cupcake tray into the oven of their small kitchen. The person can barely bend over because the refrigerator is so close to the oven.

Higher Education

California’s fund to build student housing runs dry — leaving community colleges in the lurch

Feather River College is still reeling from the 2021 Dixie Fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes in the surrounding community and warped the housing market. The college is one of many schools that have tried — and failed — to secure state grants to build more student housing.

By

Adam Echelman

• February 27, 2025

Students walk down a hallway at Fremont High School in Oakland on Oct. 10, 2023. Photo by Laure Andrillon for CalMatters

K-12 Education

Advice to California schools on Trump’s DEI crackdown: Do nothing — yet

After Trump issued an order for schools to shut down diversity programs, Attorney General Rob Bonta said DEI programs are legal and schools have a right to promote them.

By

Carolyn Jones

• February 26, 2025

A group of young students wearing sweaters and backpacks walk along the sidewalk as it rains on a college campus. The students walk in a line holding umbrellas to protect themselves from the rainfall.

Education

‘Break this cycle’: UC Riverside hopes early exposure to college boosts Inland Empire grad rates

The Inland Empire is falling behind in educating students for well-paid, professional jobs, limiting the economic prospects of the region’s youngest inhabitants. In an effort to raise that ceiling, educators are trying to get tweens to envision their potential for a college degree.

By

Deborah Brennan

• February 26, 2025

A view of two silhouettes of students walking through a dark hallway of a school with light shining through a doorway at the end of the hallway. One silhouette holds a lunch box and a water bottle in one hand.

K-12 Education

‘Afraid to go to school’: Immigrant families in the Salinas Valley are gripped by fear

Threats of deportation have caused anxiety among immigrants, but schools in the Salinas Valley are helping comfort children and easing parents’ fears.

By

Carolyn Jones

• February 20, 2025

A young Black student wearing a red and beige school uniform looks upwards while sitting next to other students wearing the same uniform during class.

Commentary

Investing in Black communities will have ripple effects throughout California

In the UC Davis Black History Month Student Essay Contest, a graduate student argues that investing in education and economic programs that aid Black communities can help dismantle inequality more broadly.

By Ya Yang • February 18, 2025

Students collaborate on solving additional problems inside Bridgette Donald-Blue’s classroom at Coliseum Street Elementary in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2023. Photo byPablo Unzueta for CalMatters

K-12 Education

How Trump’s drastic K-12 plans will — and won’t — change California schools

Despite Trump’s plans, federal funding is a small part of California’s education budget and the state oversees curriculum.

By

Carolyn Jones

• February 14, 2025

A busy outdoor scene on a college campus shows people walking and biking along a tree-lined path. In the foreground, a cyclist with a backpack rides a bicycle with turquoise wheels. Other individuals walk in various directions, some carrying bags or wearing masks. Large potted plants and lush greenery frame the setting, with more students visible in the background.

Higher Education

Fewer California high school seniors are applying for financial aid. Some blame Trump’s immigration policies

Applications are down 25% compared to this time in past years. Although financial aid application information has not been shared with immigration or other agencies in the past, many fear that will change.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• February 13, 2025

A teacher, in glasses and a black and white jacket, points at a screen in front of a classroom of sitting students. The students are seated in groups of desks with laptops in front of them as they watch the teacher.

Commentary

California schools still fall behind despite big increases in spending

Many California students are still behind pre-pandemic progress in math and reading, a new study shows. But Compton students bucked the trend.

By

Dan Walters

• February 13, 2025

The quad at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on July 7, 2023.

Higher Education

Gutted courses, fewer majors, faculty layoffs: Who will feel Cal State’s 8% budget cut?

The Cal State system is bracing for a cut of $375 million — a result of rising costs and declining enrollment. University officials warn of fewer classes and faculty layoffs.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• February 11, 2025