Education

Proposals to add specific topics to California public school curricula abound, but they take time away from basic academic skills that are already lagging.

A new law requires K-12 schools to add media literacy to curriculum for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies. Among the lessons will be recognizing fake news.

California students are among the nation's lowest performers in math, prompting a controversial new framework adopted earlier this year. CalMatters contributor Julie Lynem reflected on her son's algebra experience and how it shaped her views on the new guidelines.

In the latest round of academic testing, California's nearly 6 million public school students continue to lag behind in educational skills. But the Pentagon's school system should show California the way to success.

The California State University system is considering annual tuition hikes to help cover a billion-dollar budget gap. Increasing attendance costs could make it harder for Black students who are already facing stubborn achievement and economic disparities.

Studies and tests consistently demonstrate that Californians – both students and adults – are woefully deficient in vital math skills. The state is recommending a new math curriculum, but will it have a beneficial impact?

California's Department of Education tried to block academic researchers from testifying in a lawsuit alleging that the state's school closures damaged academic achievement, but finally backed down – partially.

Loaded and unlocked firearms are one of the primary causes of unintentional shooting deaths involving children. Given their effectiveness, the father of a victim says the state should invest federal money for prevention in public education campaigns for safe gun storage and red flag laws.

Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly acted when the Temecula school board barred textbooks referencing Harvey Milk. But when California's schools remained shuttered longer than other states during the pandemic, Newsom refused to buck teacher unions.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden's plan to forgive student debt, but a UC Berkeley student isn't disappointed by the decision. Instead, she argues, leaders should make community college free so more students can enter higher education and develop the necessary skills for economic mobility.