Some California high school seniors are benefitting from alternative math courses

Innovating High School Math Through K–12 and Higher Education Partnerships, a new report published by Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), explores six partnerships between high school math specialists and university faculty working to increase equitable access to advanced math classes for students. Even with […]

Culturally relevant pedagogy supports the most marginalized students

Systemic inequities in the current educational system are holding back historically marginalized students from reaching their full potential — and one way to begin to even the playing field is through culturally responsive and sustainable education, according to experts in the webinar “Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: […]

Berkeley USD increases supports for African American students

Berkeley Unified School District recently ramped up work to understand and resolve the “uneven and unacceptable” outcomes of its Black students via its African American Success Framework (AASF), a three-year plan “to disrupt the equity gaps with a systematic process and approach of assessment, planning […]

Efforts continue to expand broadband access

A Jan. 9 brief released by the Pew Charitable Trusts details the goals, requirements and other considerations for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, an ambitious federal investment in high-speed, affordable internet. BEAD dedicates more than $42 billion to construct broadband networks, offers […]

Promising policies in advancing language proficiency among newcomer students

Most newcomer students enter school with very low or beginning English language proficiency (ELP), but their language skills can develop rapidly under the right conditions, according to the first in a new series of briefs by Policy Analysis for California Education. While California does not […]

California districts support African American student achievement in K-12 and beyond

February is Black History Month, but local educational agencies and organizations from around the state are taking steps to support African American students’ success year-round.   The barriers and systemic racism facing African American students throughout their educational journeys, such as lack of access to […]

UC makes strides supporting Native American students; slow to progress in returning cultural artifacts

Beginning this fall, the University of California system is waiving tuition and fees for Native American students who are state residents and members of federally recognized tribes. The UC Native American Opportunity Plan aims to “advance critical efforts to expand student diversity and make the […]

Parent interest in COVID interventions suggests adjustments are needed

Throughout the 2021–22 school year, local educational agencies have developed interventions targeting students’ social-emotional, behavioral and mental health needs, but recent data show programs and resources may not be reaching the students and families most affected by the pandemic. Released in June by the Urban […]

New law supports development of educational materials about local tribes

Assemblymember James Ramos’ (D-Highland) California Indian Education Act, Assembly Bill 1703, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 23. The new law encourages local educational agencies to create California Indian Education task forces that include representatives of area Native American tribes and educators to […]