A CalMatters investigation found that schools had wildly different approaches to stimulus spending — from laptops to shade structures to an ice cream truck. No centralized database exists to show the public exactly where the money went.
Joe Hong
Posted inK-12 Education
What has Tony Thurmond done as California schools chief?
Tony Thurmond faces little opposition for a second term as California schools superintendent, but critics question how much he has accomplished. He points to task forces that are influencing education policy and says he wants to help public schools rebound from the pandemic.
Posted inK-12 Education
Not on the menu: Halal, kosher options limited in California school lunches
While the state is the first to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, California schools aren’t required to provide meals that adhere to students’ religious or cultural beliefs. This has an especially big impact on Muslim students.
Posted inK-12 Education
Ethnic studies becomes graduation requirement for California students
Experts and educators expect long-term benefits for students, but some groups remain critical of the mandate as they continue to erroneously conflate the curriculum with critical race theory.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
One loophole remains in student COVID-19 vaccination mandate
California’s recently issued COVID-19 vaccination mandate allows students and staff to opt out for religious or ideological reasons. While a small minority are expected to leave their schools over this mandate, a key lawmaker says he might push legislation to eliminate the personal belief exemption.
Posted inK-12 Education
Student COVID vaccinations: California becomes first state to require them for kids 12 and up
In another aggressive effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure schools remain open, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a vaccine mandate for students ages 12 and older Friday, making California the first state in the nation to require students to be fully vaccinated for in-person instruction.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Students with disabilities across California stuck in limbo
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inK-12 Education
Students with disabilities across California stuck in limbo as pandemic drags on
Some parents are being forced to decide between risking sending their kids with disabilities to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic and getting all their needs met or keeping them at home and forfeiting their special education services.
Posted inK-12 Education
Quarantining students could get more instruction with proposed independent study changes
The state legislature proposed changes to the independent study laws that had been disrupting school reopenings across California. Educators say the revisions will help but don’t go far enough.
Posted inK-12 Education
Not enough subs: California schools face severe teacher shortage
Long underpaid and underappreciated, substitute teachers are key to keeping schools open this year. But a shortage of subs has created another layer of chaos to this pandemic school year.