Education

Commentary

Russia’s historians aren’t the only ones who distort D-Day history. Our textbooks do, too

Glenn Sacks: During the Cold War, Americans were rightly dismayed by 1970s Soviet history textbook’s portrayal of D-Day and America’s role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. Current Russian textbooks and statements by some Russian leaders are similarly problematic. But they’re not the only ones distorting the truth. I know because I am a high school history teacher in the largest public school district in California.

By Guest Commentary • June 3, 2019

Capitol

California schools haven’t fully embraced laws protecting LGBTQ kids, study shows

In the past decade, California has adopted more than a half-dozen laws intended to prevent bullying, strengthen suicide prevention and cultivate inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ students in the state’s public schools. But the state’ school districts are implementing these new laws inconsistently, according to a new sweeping report-card style analysis from the Equality California […]

By Ricardo Cano • May 13, 2019

Capitol

5 takeaways from Newsom’s revised budget plan

Buoyed by California’s strong economy, Gov. Gavin Newsom sent state lawmakers a revised budget on Thursday that boosts his already-hefty January proposal to $213.6 billion. Ka-ching! Public schools will reap most of the gains if the Democratic-controlled Legislature rolls with him. Newsom also upped his ante on the housing crisis with a proposed $1 billion […]

By Judy Lin • May 9, 2019

Newsletters

Population growth, aging parents, amputation, dissection and lobbying

California's lobbying business accelerates while its birthrate lags; popularity of accessory dwelling units gives rise to the PIMBYs

By Dan Morain • May 2, 2019

Newsletters

A shooting, wine, taxes, weed and the homeschool bill that failed

State continues to grapple with gun violence, California could lose in 2020 U.S. Census count, tax breaks for corporations may be costing some cities

By Dan Morain • April 29, 2019

Education

California opinions on charter schools are divided—and more complex than portrayed

California voters are just as divided as their elected officials on the charter school issue, and maybe more so, a new PPIC survey on education shows.

By Ricardo Cano • April 24, 2019

Newsletters

Cannabis, local control, education and Trump’s Becerra problem

Legislation seeks to expand cannabis permits and medical marijuana access, lawmakers dust off education bills, teachers struggle with housing costs

By Dan Morain • April 19, 2019

Education

California’s public school chief says education no place for competition

Two months into the new job, Tony Thurmond seems to be exactly the man that his most loyal backers hoped (and his opponents feared) he would be. In a Commonwealth Club discussion with CALmatters' education reporter Ricardo Cano, the state’s public schools superintendent didn’t hold back in a wide-ranging discussion Thursday night: He raised doubts about the value of charter schools, criticized school districts for the state’s wave of teacher strikes, questioned the severity of public pension debt and insisted the state must spend more to educate its students.

By Ben Christopher • March 22, 2019

Commentary

Proposition 187’s real impact: A generation that will never forget

To a 6-year-old child considering Proposition 187 of 1994, the question was simple: How could a government deny a human being the right to an education or health care just because they didn’t have proper documentation to live in this country?

By Guest Commentary • March 21, 2019

Commentary

California can’t afford to skimp on computer science education

Computer science is an essential 21st Century skill for college, careers and civic participation. Yet many California students lack access to meaningful opportunities to learn computer science. If we are committed to closing the academic achievement gap, we must close the growing computer science access gap for all students.

By Guest Commentary • March 13, 2019