K-12 Education

In 2020, the state agreed to a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed too many students were not learning to read. As part of that agreement, the state spent over $50 million on 75 schools with the lowest reading scores.

In parts of California, school boards, parents and activists are pushing to restrict access to certain books, most often involving LGBTQ topics. An activist says reasoned debate about possibly obscene material is a worthwhile discussion for school boards.

Small, rural districts often struggle to pass local bond measures to pay for school construction and repairs. In some cases, leaking roofs, dry rot and broken air conditioners haven’t been fixed in years.

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.

Only 40% of California high schools offer computer science classes. A new law aims to make it easier to certify computer science teachers.

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.

With the growing use of AI, campus officials are trying to set clear guidelines for college application essays.

California is rolling out its transitional kindergarten program, with the goal of offering it for all 4-year-olds by 2025-26. While some schools have had programs in place for years, others are just starting to create teaching guidelines.