Head Start is a federal childcare program that serves the country’s lowest-income families — those earning less than $33,000 a year for a family of four. A move by the Trump administration would effectively strip the program of the unique features that have defined it since its creation in the mid-1960s.
Carolyn Jones / CalMatters
Posted inEducation
California reading scores are up, thanks to literacy investments. Can the state do more?
In 2023, California allocated $500 million in grants for schools to hire literacy coaches and take other steps to boost reading skills.
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California school libraries blindsided by ‘catastrophic’ budget cut
California’s latest budget cut $5.5 million for K-12 school libraries. That money pays online fees for student research materials.
Posted inLatest News
Transgender athletes still protected in California under Supreme Court ruling
The ruling allows states to ban transgender student athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s teams, but doesn’t require it. States like California can keep their current policies.
Posted inEducation
Some California schools get three times more funding than others. Here’s why
School funding in California steers a lot to wealthy districts and to those with high-needs students. Those in the middle get a lot less.
Posted inEducation
‘Feels like erasure’: Why Native American students may be undercounted by 90% in California schools
Native American students who also identify as another race, such as Black, white or Asian, are counted as “two or more races,” not Native American.
Posted inEducation
Ban cellphones in all K-12 schools? Not so fast, say school officials
Studies have shown that cellphone use is a serious distraction for students that affects their mental health, social-emotional development and ability to concentrate in class.
Posted inEducation
California voters are about to elect a new state superintendent. It’s barely on the radar
With the June 2 primary election just weeks away, nearly a third of California voters are undecided in the race for state superintendent of public instruction.
Posted inEducation
What’s holding back California students? A new report urges stronger state oversight
California’s shift to a funding system that gave school districts control has left big gaps in student performance and questions over who’s accountable for what, according to a new report.
Posted inEducation
California’s math scores are abysmal. Is it time to screen kindergartners for basic math skills?
A new bill would require California schools to screen all kindergartners, first and second graders for basic math skills. The idea is to help those children catch up to their peers who might have had much more exposure to math before starting school.
