University of California

SAT study guides at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Emeryville. The UC system is considering scrapping SAT requirements for admission. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Higher Education

UCs ditch the SAT and ACT — set out to make a “fairer” standardized test

The University of California Board of Regents has done away with standardized testing as part of its admissions considerations for at least five years. In that time the system will see whether it can create its own test that’s more equitable to students of all backgrounds.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• May 21, 2020

A sign along Olema Bolinas Road asking visitors to stay away on April 22, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Is California’s lockdown working?

California remains in limbo as coronavirus cases rise, deaths fail to budge. Budget cuts mostly spare homelessness programs. Concern over released inmates grows.

By

Emily Hoeven

• May 18, 2020

As the coronavirus has blown a hole in the state budget, California campuses such as California State University East Bay campus face budget cuts. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Higher Education

Coronavirus set to chop $2 billion from California higher ed — but financial aid survives

While student financial aid remains largely intact, California's public colleges and universities not only lose what the governor proposed in January, but can expect 10% less in the coming year. Brace for online classes and a debate about raising tuition.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• May 15, 2020

A student walks back to her car after picking up eggs, milk, produce and dried goods from the weekly drive-thru food pantry at Santa Monica College. Photo by Mikhail Zinshteyn for CalMatters

Higher Education

How California community college foundations are trying to help students

Community college foundations are giving extra aid now to undocumented and low-income students, whose needs are unmet by federal pandemic relief programs.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• May 7, 2020

A sign reminding drivers to wash their hands hangs above I-280 in San Francisco on the first day of the three-week shelter in place mandate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Is CA bending the curve enough?

California begins to bend COVID-19 curve, but will it be enough to handle hospital surge? UC drops requirement for SAT, ACT scores. Big recession expected.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 2, 2020

Oakland Technical High School students stand in front of the marquee after it was announced that all Oakland schools would close for three weeks over coronavirus concerns on March 13, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

End of the school year, state says

Coronavirus pandemic expected to keep schools closed for rest of academic year. State launches investivgation into use of charities by legislators.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 1, 2020

Higher Education

A’s for all? Universities debate how to grade during a pandemic

The coronavirus is disrupting college grading in California, as students stressed out from sheltering in place and transitioning to online classes push for schools to adopt flexible grading policies that account for the upheaval in their school year.

By

Vanessa Arredondo

• March 31, 2020

Health

Here’s what happens to science when California’s researchers shelter in place

California’s scientists are sheltering in place because of coronavirus restrictions, shutting down research, or switching to study the novel coronavirus.

By

Rachel Becker

• March 26, 2020