On California
This blog was written by Charles Taylor Kerchner, a professor and research scholar at Claremont Graduate University. He’s a veteran policy researcher and has written extensively about education reform and teacher unions. His writing of this blog was supported by a grant to CGU from the Stuart Foundation, which did not exert editorial control or approval. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: California.
Education Funding
Opinion
Let's Fund California Schools Like a Blue State
California public schools have enjoyed relatively good fiscal times lately, but the state still provides inadequate financing for education. Pat Reilly advocates boosting per pupil expenses.
Federal
Opinion
DeVos Confirmation Will Shine a Spotlight on Dark Money
Betsy DeVos' nomination to be U.S. Secretary of Education will illuminate what money buys in American politics. It is not just another battle between the education establishment and "reformers."
Education Funding
Opinion
One-Third of California's Budget Comes From Federal Funds
California wants to create a counter-narrative to the Trump Administration's social and economic policies, but the dependence on federal dollars portends a bumpy ride, as Scott Graves from the California Budget & Policy Center shows.
Federal
Opinion
Ten Questions for Betsy DeVos' Confirmation Hearing
The nominee to be U.S. Secretary of Education faces a Senate committee next week, and thorough questioning is expected. Here, from several policy scholars, are a double handful of questions. Add your own.
Recruitment & Retention
Opinion
Dear Donald, Don't Make Teaching Even Harder
Donald Trump isn't even president yet, and already he's making teaching a more difficult occupation. Trump is scaring students and teachers, too. But for the brave, he's providing teachable moments.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Teacher Networks: Here, There, and Everywhere
Hierarchies are not going away anytime soon. But the Internet facilitates network forms of organizing, and they are growing and increasing in power and influence, Kristoffer Kohl and Charles Taylor Kerchner write.
Special Education
Opinion
New Research Shows Young Men of Color Thriving
We all know the grim story about Black and Latino youth. The narrative of violence, underachievement is spread through popular media and academic research. But there's another story, as John McDonald writes. New research shows men of color as thriving.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Patrick Dolan: A Gentle Guide to Productive Labor Relations
We've lost Patrick Dolanwho spent a career teaching unions and managements how to create relationships that were both just and productive. His message is more urgent now than ever.
School & District Management
Opinion
Leading Calif. District Wants to Use SAT Instead of State Test
Long Beach Unified, a leader among California school districts, wants to omit the state's performance exam for its 11th graders. Superintendent Chris Steinhauser says that the SAT exam is more useful than the state-required SBAC test.
Federal
Opinion
California Should Fight Betsy DeVos' Politics of Privatization
Billionaire voucher and charter advocate Betsy DeVos' nomination to be U.S. Secretary of Education has set off alarm bells. It should. Her agenda is a battle cry: one she should lose. Californians should see she is not confirmed.
Federal
Opinion
Thanks America, Even Through Loss and Mourning
Even as I mourn the loss of an election and of hope for a progressive government in my lifetime, I give thanks for a great family and a country that lets me stand in resistance.
Education
Opinion
Towards a Learning State: California's Journey Toward Continuous Improvement
California's education leaders are intent on changing the state's education department into an organization built around continuous improvement so it can better serve students and schools write Tom Torlakson and Glen Price.
Federal
Opinion
'California, Trump on Collision Course'
A read of California's news outlets makes clear that the state is not going to accept President-elect Donald Trump's policies without a fight, particularly those on immigration.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Can Social-Emotional Skills Drive Continuous Improvement?
In California, social emotional learning counts. As Daisy Gonzales writes, educators in the state are also exploring the link between emotional learning and test scores in subject areas.